Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Compassionate Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, humble and grateful that I can find rest in Your arms. Thank you that like David, I can speak to You directly and know that You are always willing to listen and take my burdens in time of distress. Verse 1: “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.” It is a blessing to have confidence that by walking with You, You will go before me to clear my path and be behind me to catch me when I stumble and fall. It is a great privilege to have the assurance of Your constant love. 

Direct me to always look at my problems through the lens of Your power and not with an emphasis on my situation. Verse 3: “But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself who is godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him.” Thank you for the encouragement in verse 8 that You are the sole source of my comfort and rest. I cannot find peace through any other means but the rest that comes through knowing that You are good and in control of the entire universe. Verse 8: “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

Show me the difference between real inward joy, which comes from a genuine, trusting relationship with You, and happiness, which comes from outward circumstances that are pleasing. In most situations happiness is temporary, but joy produces permanence. Verse 7a: “You have put gladness in my heart.”   

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.