By Kathy Stanford

Psalm 59:16-17 “But as for me, I will sing about Your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.”

Don’t you love it when you realize God has been working behind the scenes, providing for needs that you didn’t see coming? I recently had the privilege of engaging in a committed time of prayer for a specific group. As I read through some of the verses He gave me to pray over this group, I noticed how appropriate a few of them are for this unique time of uncertainty.

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” You may recognize this first one from my blog entry on Jan. 1 of this year. I love the exclamation point at the end of this sentence. I like to imagine God shouting through His cupped hands, reminding me to keep looking up, focused toward the One Who is Sovereign over all. It has become my go to verse to help me keep a right perspective in the midst of a world turned sideways.

1Peter 1:6, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” This verse gives me so much hope. No matter what it looks like now, I can look forward to better days ahead. Even if my life on this earth ends, I have confidence I’m going to a much better place. And I will spend eternity in worship and praise of God.

Psalm 50:14-15 “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory.” The words thankfulness and sacrifice don’t seem to belong in the same sentence. But there it is, calling me to be thankful in the midst of turmoil. Thankful, not for the turmoil itself, but for the One Who holds everything – even the turmoil- in His loving, powerful hands. And thankful that He is listening when I cry out to Him.

Psalm 5:11-12 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the Godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love.” We are not meant to face life alone. He only waits for us to “take refuge” in Him.

Psalm 59:16-17 “But as for me, I will sing about Your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” He is faithful and worthy of our praise!

Psalm 33:18 “But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love.” If your circumstances seem bleak and you find worry or fear creeping in, fix your thoughts on God. And take courage that He sees you and is watching over you.

Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are faithful and loving. I thank You for the comfort of knowing You are with me always, even when my circumstances seem beyond hope. Help me to keep my mind fixed on you, and my heart filled with peace, as I take refuge in Your love.

[All quotes are from the New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation]