All I Ever Need – Psalm 73:26

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

Psalm 73 is a psalm of lament written by Asaph. He felt bitter and unhappy because he saw the wicked prospering.

2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
3 For I envied the proud
when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
Psalm 73: 2-3 (NLT)

He tried but couldn’t understand God’s ways; until he went into God’s sanctuary.

16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.
But what a difficult task it is!
17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,
and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
Psalm 73: 16-17 (NLT)

Asaph then realized that wickedness and evil have consequences. Earthly life ends, and eternal judgment awaits. He realizes that trust in God is paramount. That God is his portion, his source of happiness. That God is the strength of his heart, the rock of his heart. He realizes that God is his and our’s forever. God is all we ever need. He is our salvation. ⁂

When you face difficulties, do you trust in God, understanding He is all you ever need?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, teach us to come to you with our problems and concerns. Help us to grow in faith and realize You are in control. Let us embrace Your strength, realizing You are all we ever need. Like the sunflowers turn toward the sun and shine with light; let us turn to You and shine Your light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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Our Refuge: Psalm 9:9-10

⁹The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
¹⁰Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you
Psalm 9:9-10 (NIV)

God, our Heavenly Father, is our stronghold in times of trouble. A stronghold is defined as a well-fortified place of protection against attack. God is a refuge for the oppressed, the poor, the needy, those without power, and for protection from evil. He is our refuge and stronghold.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1(NLT)

Our God is faithful; He keeps His promises. Seek Him, for He is good; He will not forsake you. He is worthy of your confidence and trust. He is your help in times of trouble, your refuge; you can rely on Him.

9-10 God’s a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
you’re never sorry you knocked.
Psalm 9:9-10 (MSG) ⁂

God is our refuge and our strength. In times of trouble, is your first response to turn to God?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our stronghold and refuge during difficult times. Help us to grow in faith, seek You, and trust You. Teach us to reach out to You in trust knowing you will never forsake us. Like the allium flowers spiral out in all directions, your love spirals out, surrounding us; You are our stronghold, our hope. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Our Strength: Psalm 37:39

39But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him.
Psalm 37:39-40 (NKJV)

In this verse, David recounts how God’s strength was his refuge. During times of trouble, while his enemies were after him trying to kill him, the Lord protected and rescued David.
Verse 39 states that the Lord offers salvation to the righteous. He is our strength during times of trouble; He will deliver us and save us. Salvation is from the Lord. He helps us bear burdens, takes our worries, and gives us peace. Our job is to love and trust the Lord following His path for us. God saves those who trust in Him. ⁘

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (NLT)

When times are overwhelming, where do you put your trust? Do you rely on your wits or God’s strength?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our refuge and protection. Teach us to turn to you during troubled times; you are our strength. Help us to embrace Your wisdom and follow Your path. Like the rhododendron branches support the flowers, lifting them toward sunlight, let us lean on Your strength and spread Your Son-light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

God is Our Refuge: Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

My help and glory are in God
    —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people;
    lay your lives on the line for him.
    God is a safe place to be.
Psalm 62:7-8 (MSG)

Trust is defined as; “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone.” God is truth, His strength is unparalleled, and His people have relied on Him for years. When we pour our hearts out to God, we make known to him in prayer our sorrows, worries, wishes, and troubles. The definition of refuge is; “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.” As David advises, God is our refuge a safe place to take shelter during life’s storms. When we put our trust in God and go to Him with our troubles, God keeps us safe and shelters us.

Is God your refuge, do you reach out to Him when you are lost, afraid, worried, or troubled?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank You for your grace, Your forgiveness, and Your guidance. Teach us to trust in You, to go to You with our concerns, and to remember in all situations that You are our refuge. As the white cross-shaped bracts (flowers) of the dogwood tree brighten spring days, let us remember your sacrifice on the cross, and brighten the world by spreading Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

I would like to thank Dawn Drawing Closer to Christ and Jacquie JOY COTTAGE for nominating me for the Kennedy Award for Excellence. I highly recommend Dawn’s and Jacquie’s blogs they are inspiring, full of God’s love, and spirit-driven.

Rest: Psalm 62:5

Psalm 62:5-8

⁵ Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. ⁶ Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. ⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. ⁸ Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

*Thanks to Jackie for the lovely zinnia and butterfly photo.