A great friend of mine is walking through a serious trial. Today is the beginning of week four and when it will end is still unknown. My heart has literally ached for him over these weeks. As a pastor, I am privileged to walk through all kinds of trials with people. Each situation can be trying but this one has been especially hard because of my personal relationship with him and his family.
I preached a couple of weeks ago on the subject of carrying each other's loads. God is allowing me to live that out and I'm trying to help him and his family carry this load. It's really heavy some days.
The Lord directed me to Psalm 91 this morning. This psalm is one of those that's been incredibly meaningful to me at many times over the past few years. Maybe you need to be reminded today as I do. Here are some select verses:
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." vs. 1-4
"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." vs. 11-12
"'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call up on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him,
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." vs. 14-16
Please pray for my friend today. Pray that his trial passes quickly and that he will see and know that the Lord is working in a real way in his life through these circumstances.
And if you have the same need in your life today, spend some time in Psalm 91 and let the Word of God reassure you of who you are and His amazing plans and protection in your life. Gloria a Dios!
