April 24, 2020

The first 4 words of this Psalm accurately describes so many of us now. “How long, Oh Lord?!” How long will this virus last, how long will the economy suffer. How long Lord!? It’s totally okay to have honest prayers with God and to pour out your heart to Him!

We have to trust God and His answers. Even when He tells us “no” or “wait”, we must remember that God does the very best things, in the very best ways, at the very best times, and always works things out for our good and for His glory.

Our job is to trust Him even in times of waiting and uncertainty. Don’t allow what you are seeing to cause you to doubt what God has said. Remember that He has promised never to leave us or forsake us!

Psalm 13

How Long, O Lord?
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.


Prayer:

Father, I bring everything to you: my doubt, fear, and anxiety. Thank you that you care for me and that I can bring everything to you in prayer.

Help me to wait on you patiently knowing that, even when I don’t see or feel you, you are behind the scenes working all things out for my good and for your glory.

Help me to be confident in your steadfast love, knowing that you promise to never leave me or forsake me. Lord, I put my faith, hope, and confidence in you and you alone.

Amen.

63 thoughts on “RHYTHM: DAY 5

  1. I have come to a place in the wilderness where I have grown wiser. When I encounter new trials, God reveals how His work really strengthened me. In a moment of reflection I noticed that I am no longer ensnared.

    I know there will be more trials and tribulations, but He has given me His confidence. His confidence sustains me through seasons of struggle. I am also confident that He will keep His promises. He always has!❤

    Praise the Lord!

    1. Verses 5 and 6 should be my mantra. Reminds me of the song “Waymaker” by Michael W. Smith.

      1. Yes – just put that song on. Definitely adds to my devotional time. Thanks for the suggestion

    2. Dear Lord this Psalm tells me to be patient! You are patient with me! Please help me to remember how patient You are with me! When the enemy attacks and adds confusion, please remind me of Your everlasting Love!

    3. Lord, we all want this virus to end quickly yet, we know You are in control and You are Sovereign. I often think how would this global world in general, and America, in particular, cope with a virus that last as long as the years so many of our ancestors suffered through slavery.
      Surely, they cried out as well ” How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

      1. And yet, Paulette, our ancestors persevered. They came to know God and love God and trust God in the most dire of circumstances. I too often think of them and find strength in memory of their trials. For I know though the season was long and hard, God had not forgotten them, and he will never forget us. Halleluiah!

  2. Lord Jesus You alone are my refuge and strength. Your with me always even during these trying days. I put my trust in You. Amen.

  3. Dear Heavenly Father,
    Thank you for loving me and giving me another day to live in this wonderful world you have created. We are going through some terrible times right now but in the midst of it all I can see your hand. So much good is actually coming from our isolation. We are told to be still and know you are God. I know for sure that You God are with us and are in control . I put my faith in you alone.
    I have taken steps of faith many times and you have proven your boundless love for me time and time again in ways that exceed my imagination. Forgive me when I get discouraged or impatient for I do know, Lord, that You have never let me down or left my side. You are my Great Provider and my Steadfast Strength . Without You I am nothing.
    To You Lord Jesus, I pledge all my love and obedience. Amen

    1. Amen! What a beautiful way to find strength and peace knowing God always has our backs and is always beside us.. We just need to stop being anxious so we hear the path we are to follow. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. They have so helped me so I will be able to bring the same strength tomy family and friends. Gis Blrsx you and your family.

  4. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness that I can always trust! Light up my eyes so that I may see your glory! Perfect are your ways now and forever!

  5. Such a great devotional to wake up to and read! I need to be reminded daily to lay my worries and fear at the feet of Jesus!

  6. As the writer did, in stressful times, I can be in despair or I can remember His love and all God has provided in the past. He is still with me and will provide His best for me in this time too. I must have faith in His promises.

  7. Dear Heavenly Father,

    Patience is hard when the season is long, but it’s in the long times of waiting where You’ve help me to grow the most, and I’m thankful for that.

    During this time in our world when we are waiting for this virus to end and the stay-at-home order to end , I’m reminded of Your faithfulness that never ends. As I wait, You are with me, and it’s enough. Amen.

    1. Amen! Waiting as a mother prepares for birth. Waiting for God’s provision and victory over this enemy of a virus

  8. My comforter, my healer, my refuge and the restorer of my soul. I poured my heart to you during this season of prayer, listen oh Lord, hear, and answer me in your abundant mercy.

  9. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases His mercies never come to an end they are new every morning Great is Your faithfulness . “The Lord is my portion” says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.
    Lamentations 3:22-25

  10. Father, I lift my voice to the creator of the universe. Oh, how magnificent you are. You know my thoughts and my needs before I utter them in desperation to you. Hold me close to your heart this day and let me know you care. Walk with me down this path. And when I can go no further, please carry me. I place my soul in your hands. Amen.

  11. Thank you Father for being here…”even when I don’t feel it You’re working, even when I don’t see it You’re working, yes You are, You never stop working, yes You are…You never stop working…”…

  12. Romans 12:12
    Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer

    Heavenly Father, we thank you for the Holy Spirit that comforts us through prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen.

  13. LORD, I thank you that no matter what situations occur or what questions I may have, Your Word always reminds me of Your love for me. Remind me when I allow my mind to wander, that because I trust You, I can rejoice and sing. Thank you that I can hide Your Word in my heart “for such a time as this”, so that “when I am afraid I will trust in you.” Thank you Lord for loving us and giving us life through Your death and resurrection!!!! Amen.

  14. You alone Lord do I put my trust in you, for You are my strength and my refuge! You are my Rock and my firm foundation. I will not fear for whether I live or die, you are my salvation. I am filled with your love and I will praise your name in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name. Amen

  15. Dear Lord thank for loving me and teaching my through trails I can trust you. You are strengthening my faith each day and I am grateful. We all face different challenges in this time, but one one thing that is constant is your love that is steadfast. You word says when we are weak, that when your strong, and in yhis stillness you are working behind the scenes.

    Allow us to be still and know you are God, and your plan is perfect! We wait with great expectations to see the outcome from this event. A gobal move is taking place and people see who you are, and you working, turn their faces to you. May you get the glory in this hour. “What a beautiful name is, what a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus!” This designates in my spirit this morning.
    Thank you Jesus, Amen!

    I would also like to thank each of you this week as your thoughts and prayers have blessed and encouraged me each day. God bless you all!!! One family under Christ Jesus our Lord!

  16. Thank you Father, for in my times of uncertainty and crying, you have given me assurance of your steadfast love. For you have worked everything out for my good and all the glory is to you!

  17. I believe God has allowed this virus to remind the whole world of its sin.
    I trust God he will speak to the hearts of man and man will seek God once again.

  18. Be patient and know that all help comes from the Lord. We must trust and put our faith to work.

  19. Lord I don’t like that life is challenging sometimes, but I accept the challenges of life and know that you will use it for good. Help me see the good Lord, in the challenges of life. Thank you that I am not alone, that you are with me, in the most challenging of circumstances. I know that you are for me, with me, love me, and that you have saved me because you are trustworthy.

    1. Amen, Eduardo. God allows hurt in order to accomplish a greater good. We are seeing many examples of man’s goodness in these troubled times and we will see more! Yes, He is trustworthy. Yes, He loves us and He keeps His Word!

  20. Thank you Lord for your steadfast love, faithfulness, loving, kindness and mercy that endures for every.

  21. Dear Lord, I can to you knowing that You hear my cries. I thank you that You are my Rock, that never moves, that never crumbles. I can stand on your Word….to give me peace, comfort, and direction, when I need it most.

  22. Thank you Lord for your love, strength and mercy. For always being there for me in every way. Thank you for this day, may l use it to you glory. Amen.

  23. God in this moment has placed the world on “Pause”. This gives (1)those that are saved, (2) those that have backslidden, and (3) those that are unsaved, a time to reflect. A time for each to repent and get right with Him. A time for self- evaluation, and refocusing. What’s really important in life?Becoming more appreciative and loving of others (God loves all people, Jesus died for all). Where are we really in our hearts? This is a great time for the church to shine brightly. The building is not the church; we who are in Christ, is the church. Therefore, those who are saved and know him are charged with the responsibility of reaching out to those who have backslidden, and those who are unsaved; sharing with them the unconditional love of God. For their hopelessness, we we reveal hope….which is found in Jesus! As we refresh ourselves in these beautiful devotionals, may we be stirred to get up and get to work (Matthews 28:18-20). Blessings!

  24. Even when the night seems long, we can still trust in the Lord, we can rejoice in our salvation, and we can sing praise to him. Thank you Lord for being 100% trustworthy and worthy of all our praise. Thank you for your great salvation.

  25. My prayer is that at the end of all of this I can say:
    “ But I have trusted in your steadfast love” (verse 5)

  26. Refreshing word this morning: Our job is to trust Him even in times of waiting and uncertainty.

  27. Oh Lord, your inspiration to reverse the role of these scriptures once again proved your unconditional love for me. How long? How long you wait on me! Oh Lord, thank you for your steadfast love, your unconditional love, and immeasurable patience with me. Oh Lord, my Lord, thank you for never giving up on me! Grow me, please my Lord. In love and patience like Thine Above! Amen.

  28. This was a great devotional to hear today. As we do not know what the future holds we have to trust in God. In the scripture it said how long will you hide your face from me. I know I say this sometimes when I do not know if God is hearing my prayers. Then I always get remind from family, friends, and scripture to trust in him. Trust in him in the waiting, when he says no, and when he says yes.

  29. Father, thank you for the psalms that teach me that I can be real and that stating my doubts and fears draws me closer to you. You are never shocked and speak your steadfast love into my heart. Thank you Father for being my Abba, for giving me your precious Son as my Savior and your loving presence in your Holy Spirit. Have your way this day, I pray. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

  30. Thank you Lord for the promise that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Please remind us every day of it. I know that you’re in control and everything happens in your time and not ours. Lord, thank you for your word and your steadfast love, your mercy and grace. I believe that what we’re going through right now is your way of telling us that we need to slow down, focus on what’s important in our lives, care for those who need our help, and thank you for your promises.

  31. Thank You Lord for continually reminding me that I can trust You at all times and every situation. My faith in You grows daily as I spend time with You. Amen

  32. Trust and Obey for there’s no other way! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5, 6

  33. Trust and Obey. The Lord will prevail over all. We just need to follow our Lord and Savior through tough times and good times for he is the way.

  34. This is one of an honest Psalms! Thank you God for understanding me and hearing my prayers. You are worthy of praise, thanksgiving and trust! Thank you Jesus for my salvation and your promises!

    1. I will trust you Lord because no matter what, you have my back, Soto speak. Even when I don’t see you in situations that arise in my life, when the curtain is raised there you are, behind the scenes moving the chess pieces around the board of my life. You are my ONLY HOPE.

  35. I’ve filled my life with so many things that has distracted me from my Savior. Most of those things have come to a sudden halt. I realize that we are at a cross road. And now I’m closer to the place where I should have been my entire life. I’m seeking God’s purpose and plan for my life.

  36. Father,
    Thank you for another beautiful day. Help me to be more patient & to be still & know you are God & that you know what is best for me. In Jesus name, Amen

  37. Lord, let the truth of verse 6 be real to me as I trust you in the “Waiting” : let me SING, and let my songs be TO YOU, let me recognize that you HAVE dealt bountifully with me.

  38. Thank you lord for your patience with me, Your love and my church community for all their support. Lord help me to get dressed and quit laying in the bed all day, It is time to rejoice your name, I love you Jesus,

  39. v. 5 my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
    Even when everything else seems to be falling apart, we can still have joy and rejoice in our salvation!

  40. I can’t allow what I am seeing to cause me to doubt who He is and what He has said. May we cling to truth amidst uncertainty!

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