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Over the past 24 hours, I think I had my first official mental freak out about everything going on. I received several pieces of bad news throughout the day. Therefore, by the end of the day and through the night I could sense my mind churning away at these problems. It struck me that only 2 days ago I had great peace about waiting on the Lord.

But as my morning devotional said today “situations that require waiting on God will always return, sometimes with startling suddenness.” Psalm 40:11-12a state “Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me.” That is what yesterday felt like for me. Yet I know the Lord is with me through this and with you.

A little later in Psalm 40:17, the Psalmist writes: “But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.” Talk about a comforting verse! The Psalmist acknowledges his own poverty and needs. Nevertheless, he realizes the Lord is neither poor nor needy. The Psalmist asks the Lord to think of him. It can be very comforting to know that others are thinking of us while we go through multiple troubles. The Lord always thinks of us.

However, the Lord goes beyond thinking. He is our help and deliverer; our God. “ So if you were to list every one of your troubles, the Lord thinks about them and you. But He goes further. He helps and delivers. The Lord has brought us through everything we have ever gone through. Though troubles without number may surround us, the Lord walks with us through each one. I pray you find peace in Him today.

“O Lord God; Our Help and Deliverer; We face many troubles and challenges today. Some of us have a good God-centered perspective on them. But others of us feel bowled over by all the news and changes we have to deal with. In those bowled over times, remind us to run to you quickly for peace, perspective and help. Inspire us to remind one another of your faithfulness. Then empower us to go forward one step at a time as you lead and guide us. Amen.”