Psalms

Psalms

Can God strengthen and encourage us in the disappointments we face?

Recently this theme has been on my mind. I’ve been dwelling—probably too much—on disappointments I’m facing. For example, my daughter Kelli is getting married, and I’ve been unable to help her very much with wedding plans, both due to long distance (1100 miles away) and my health restrictions. Another disappointment is day-to-day serving, such as cooking, that I can’t do for Brad and others. Also, I’m not able to drive, and except for a miracle, I won’t ever drive again. And then I’m not able to pick up my grandkids easily in my arms or go to their homes on my own.

I suspect you all have disappointments of your own. God has a plan for each one of us. Can we find strength and comfort in the face of them?

Recently there have been two ways the Lord has given me strength.

First, I’m learning to choose every day—sometimes multiple times a day—that God is good. I try to find his goodness even in the difficult circumstances, whether small or large.

Second, the Lord has encouraged me from the Scriptures.

Psalm 27:13-14 has been a favorite for years, and memorizing it long ago has continued to pay dividends: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Seeing his goodness enables me to wait for him, to endure in faith day by day, until the final day we meet him face to face.

And then Psalm 13:5-6 has encouraged both Brad and me for the past month or two. Many years ago, at Stonebrook, we had a tune to these verses, and we’ve sung them at home and in the car numerous times recently.

Psalm 13:5-6 “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.”

I’m grateful for prayers you offer up on my behalf. And let me know specifically how I can pray for you.