The key to courageously facing the future is confidence in the Lord. He’s your shelter, strength, and help in trouble.
From Psalm 46:1-3: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”
From Psalm 31:3-4: “You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge.”
Crying out from devilish wasteland
Surrounded by desert’s empty sand
Caught, tangled in sin’s deceptive net
Buried under life’s heaviest debt
Captured by evil’s sly temptations
Confined to cellblock’s harsh reception
Engulfed by relentless guilt and shame
Throwing key away, dimming life’s flame
Praying to Holy Father above
Singing of His steadfast, faithful love
Seeking His mercy in valley’s distress
How will life move forward, from this mess?
Coming to life’s rescue, Jesus Christ
Accepting His grace, He pays full price
Breaking free from sin’s ongoing grip
Sailing on Spirit’s armored flagship
Exiting darkest, shame-filled prison
Beholding blood-stained Cross, He’s Risen!
Remaking character, with each day
Walking with Jesus, never shall stray
From Psalm 18:1-2: “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
When we take a tumble and cry out to God in our shame and distress, the psalmist says He “inclines his ear” to us. He bends over to listen.
From Psalm 31:1-2: “In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.”
From Psalm 31:24: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”
Facing life’s trials and critics
Soul and body wasting away
Discouraged, hurting, and distressed
Broken down, strength failing . . . decay
Needing encouragement with love
Safe from others, place for healing
Looking for refuge, where to turn
Life under siege, tired and reeling
Seeking lasting grace and mercy
Delivering us from dark gloom
Rescue arrives, stand and rejoice
His steadfast love, fully in bloom
Staffed by a special redeemer
Our strength, comrade, fortress, and rock
Holding us up with steadfast love
Follow Him, our living bedrock
Called by another name . . . Jesus
From Psalm 31:1-2: “In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.”
From Psalm 31:24: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”
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Immense weight of the world
Resting on our shoulders
Crying out to our Lord
Pebbles fall like boulders
Darkest thoughts undermine
Harshest mental torment
Hidden physical foes
Hopeless, stuck in cement
Our Lord hearing, He cares
Listening to whole hearts
Filling with confidence
Piercing conflict, like a dart
Forever with our Lord
His refuge, without fuss
His righteousness delivers
Strong fortress, saving us
Cities under fearful siege
Virus shadows each street
Lord, lead us and guide us
Your goodness won’t retreat
Our Father’s steadfast love
Covers our affliction
Blessed be our Lord God
Faith, hope . . . our conviction
Trusting in the Father
Facing vicious disease
Your face shines upon us
We pray upon our knees
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From Psalm 3:8: “Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessings be on your people.”
Big Sky Buckeye 