trials

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -22

/ taethne

A Devotional on Psalm 22: The Cry of the Cross, The Hope of the Dawn

Scripture Reading: Psalm 22:1-2, 16-18, 27-31 (NIV)
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest… Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment… All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him… Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!”

Reflection: The Cry Heard Across Time
Imagine a barren hill under a darkened sky, the air thick with dust and despair. A lone figure hangs on a Roman cross, his voice cracking through parched lips: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words, first penned by King David a thousand years before, echo through the ages to find their fullest expression on Golgotha. Psalm 22 is no mere lament; it is a prophetic tapestry woven with threads of anguish, abandonment, and astonishing hope, pointing us to the suffering and triumph of Jesus Christ.

In David’s day, this psalm captured the raw pain of a king surrounded by enemies, his life hanging by a thread. Historically, David likely wrote these words during a time of betrayal or persecution, perhaps fleeing from Saul or Absalom. His vivid imagery—pierced hands and feet, bones out of joint, garments gambled away—paints a scene of utter vulnerability. In the ancient Near East, to be “surrounded by dogs” was to face ruthless adversaries, scavenging for your downfall. David’s cry was not just personal; it was the cry of Israel, a people often forsaken yet never forgotten by God.

Centuries later, these same words poured from the lips of Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:46). The parallels are haunting: the pierced hands and feet, the mocking crowd, the soldiers casting lots for His robe (John 19:24). Jesus, the Son of David, embodied this psalm in His darkest hour, taking on the weight of humanity’s sin. In that moment, the Father’s silence was not absence but the profound cost of redemption. The cross was not the end but the hinge of history, where despair gave way to deliverance.

Vivid Imagery: From Darkness to Dawn
Picture yourself standing at the foot of that cross. The ground trembles, and the sky is shrouded as if creation itself mourns. You hear the Savior’s cry, feel the weight of His suffering. Yet, as the psalm turns in verse 22, the scene shifts. The darkness cracks, and a radiant dawn breaks forth. “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.” The same voice that cried in agony now sings of victory. The tomb is empty, and the risen Christ stands triumphant, proclaiming God’s faithfulness to all nations.

This is the heart of Psalm 22: it moves from desolation to declaration, from the cross to the crown. The imagery of “all the ends of the earth” turning to the Lord (v. 27) evokes a global chorus—people from every tribe, tongue, and time joining in worship. The psalm’s closing vision is a legacy of hope: future generations, even those yet unborn, will hear of the God who “has done it!”—the God who finished the work of salvation.

Application: Trusting Through the Silence
Today, you may feel like David, surrounded by trials, or like Jesus, wrestling with God’s silence. The vivid imagery of Psalm 22 invites you to bring your raw, honest cries to God. He hears you, even when answers seem distant. The cross reminds us that God’s silence is not His absence; it is often the prelude to His greatest work. Just as David’s lament turned to praise, and Jesus’ death gave way to resurrection, your story is not over. God is weaving your pain into a tapestry of redemption.

Take a moment to reflect: Where do you feel forsaken? Lay it before the One who bore forsakenness for you. Trust that the same God who turned the cross into a crown will turn your night into day. And like the psalmist, let your story proclaim to others: “He has done it!”

Prayer
Lord Jesus, You cried out in my place, bearing the weight of my sin and sorrow. Thank You for the cross, where Your love turned despair into hope. In my moments of silence and struggle, help me trust Your presence. Let Psalm 22 remind me that You are near, turning my cries into songs of praise. May my life declare Your faithfulness to a world yet unborn. Amen.

For Further Reflection

  • Meditate on Psalm 22 alongside Matthew 27:27-50. How do the details of Jesus’ crucifixion fulfill David’s words?
  • Journal about a time you felt God was silent. How can Psalm 22’s shift from lament to praise encourage you today?
  • Share the hope of this psalm with someone who needs to hear that God “has done it!”

May the vivid truth of Psalm 22 fill you with courage to trust God’s faithfulness, from the cross to the coming dawn.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -20

/ taethne

A Devotional on Psalm 20: The Triumph of Trust

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!” (Psalm 20:1). Step into the radiant landscape of Psalm 20, where a storm-tossed sea meets a lighthouse ablaze with divine light. This psalm, penned by David, is a battle cry and a sanctuary, a vivid prayer for victory woven with trust in God’s unfailing power. As we journey through its verses, let’s paint its promises with bold imagery, drawing inspiration from the reflections of Christian scholars who saw in these words the glory of Christ’s triumph and the hope of His people.

Envision a lone warrior, standing on a windswept hill, armor battered, facing a shadowed valley teeming with foes. The opening plea, “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!” rises like a flare into the heavens. This “day of trouble” is no fleeting worry—it’s the soul’s crucible, where fears roar like tempests and trials bite like wolves. St. Augustine, the luminary of the early Church, saw this as the cry of the faithful, pressed but never crushed, upheld by the “God of Jacob”—a God who meets us in our frailty, as He did Jacob at the Jabbok, forging strength from struggle. Picture God’s name as a radiant dome, shimmering over you, deflecting every dart of despair.

The psalm presses forward: “May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!” (v. 2). Imagine the temple on Zion’s crest, its stones glowing like embers under a starry sky, a beacon of God’s presence. Bernard of Clairvaux, the medieval mystic, saw Zion as the eternal fountainhead of grace, where Christ, our High Priest, intercedes. From this holy place, streams of divine aid flow like rivers, quenching the parched and steadying the weary. In your own battles, look to this heavenly sanctuary—God’s help is not bound by earth’s limits but pours from His throne.

Verse 3, “May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!” conjures an altar aglow, flames licking the sky, as the worshiper lays down their best. For Thomas Aquinas, this pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, the offering that forever satisfies the Father. See your own acts of devotion—your prayers, your trust, your surrender—as fragrant smoke, caught by Jesus and lifted to God’s heart. Every halting step of faith, every whispered “I trust You,” becomes a holy gift, cherished in heaven.

“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!” (v. 4). Picture a king before his army, not craving personal gain but yearning for God’s glory to shine. Augustine taught that when our desires align with God’s will, they are as seeds planted in fertile soil, destined to burst forth in fruit. What stirs your heart today? Lay it before God, and envision Him tending it like a gardener, pruning and nurturing until it blooms for His purpose.

The psalm erupts in triumph: “May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners!” (v. 5). See a battlefield at sunrise, the enemy scattered, and God’s people raising vibrant banners, their colors dancing in the wind, proclaiming victory. Anselm of Canterbury saw these banners as the cross of Christ, the ultimate sign of conquest over sin and death. In your life, each act of trust is a banner raised—a declaration that God’s salvation reigns, even when shadows linger. Let your heart shout with joy, for the victory is His.

The heart of the psalm beats in verse 7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Picture a rival army, chariots gleaming like steel, horses pawing the earth, yet crumbling like sandcastles before God’s breath. Bernard of Clairvaux warned against leaning on worldly might—riches, power, or self-sufficiency—which fade like mist. God’s name is a mountain, unmoved by storms. What “chariots” tempt you to trust? Turn instead to the One whose name never fails.

Finally, “O Lord, save the king! May he answer us when we call” (v. 9) rings out like a chorus, the people’s plea for their anointed leader. Augustine heard in this the Church’s cry for Christ, the eternal King who hears every call. Imagine a multitude, voices rising like a tide, reaching a God whose ear is ever turned toward us. He listens. He saves. He answers.

Reflection and Application:

Let Psalm 20’s imagery flood your soul. In your “day of trouble,” see God’s name as your shield, His sanctuary as your refuge. Offer Him your heart’s desires, trusting His shaping hand. Raise banners of faith, even in small moments, proclaiming His victory. And when tempted to trust in “chariots,” anchor yourself in His name. Today, pause and pray this psalm, letting its words become your own.

Prayer:

O God of Jacob, our refuge in trouble, shield us with Your mighty name. Send help from Your sanctuary, and accept our offerings of faith. Shape our desires to Your will, and let us raise banners of joy in Your salvation. We trust not in earthly strength but in You alone. Save us, King Jesus, and answer when we call. Amen.

This psalm is a living prayer, its imagery a call to trust, vibrant with the promise that our God reigns victorious, from David’s day to ours.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms-11

/ taethne

Devotional on Psalm 11: The Lord is Our Refuge

Scripture Reading: Psalm 11 (ESV)
“In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.”

Reflection: Trusting in God’s Sovereign Refuge
Psalm 11 is a powerful declaration of trust in God amid a world filled with fear, chaos, and evil. Imagine a stormy night, the sky torn by jagged lightning, the wind howling like a pack of wolves. In this chaos, the wicked lurk, their bows drawn taut, arrows gleaming with malicious intent, aimed at the hearts of the upright. The ground trembles as the foundations of order—justice, truth, hope—seem to crack and crumble. Voices whisper urgently, “Flee! Escape like a sparrow to the fleeting safety of the mountains!” Yet, in this vivid scene of peril, David stands unmoved, his heart anchored in a fortress far greater than any earthly refuge. “In the Lord I take refuge,” he declares, his voice steady against the gale.

This Psalm paints a dramatic picture of faith under fire. David’s world is no less turbulent than ours—where cultural decay, personal trials, or unseen enemies threaten to overwhelm. The temptation to flee to temporary shelters—fear, distraction, or self-made solutions—looms large. But David’s eyes are fixed upward, to the Lord enthroned in His radiant temple, seated on a throne that no storm can shake. God’s piercing gaze cuts through the darkness, seeing every hidden arrow, every scheming heart. His justice is a blazing fire, ready to rain coals and sulfur on the wicked, while His love is a sheltering wing, enfolding the righteous in unshakable safety.

Historic Christian voices, like Augustine and Calvin, saw this psalm as a vibrant tapestry of God’s providence. Augustine marveled at God’s all-seeing eye, which no darkness can obscure, urging believers to trust in divine protection. Calvin saw David’s resolve as a beacon of hope, pointing to God’s ultimate triumph over evil. This psalm also whispers of Christ, the Righteous One, who faced the cross’s arrows yet trusted the Father’s plan, securing a refuge for all who run to Him. The promise that the upright will “behold his face” is a radiant vision of eternal glory, where we’ll stand in the light of God’s presence, forever safe. David, the psalmist, faces a dire situation: the wicked are poised to attack, and his advisors urge him to flee, to escape the danger like a bird flying to the safety of a mountain. Yet David’s response is resolute: “In the Lord I take refuge.” His confidence is not in earthly strongholds but in the unshakeable sovereignty of God.

This psalm speaks to us today when life feels unsteady—when the “foundations” of society, morality, or even personal security seem to crumble. The temptation to flee, to seek safety in our own strength or worldly solutions, is strong. But David reminds us that our true refuge is the Lord. He is not distant or detached; He reigns from His holy temple, His throne in heaven. His eyes see every injustice, and His justice is perfect. The wicked may seem to have the upper hand, but God’s judgment is sure, and His love for the righteous is unwavering.

Application: Standing Firm in Faith

Picture yourself in the storm of your own trials—perhaps a biting betrayal, a crushing fear, or a world that mocks what is good. Instead of fleeing to fragile shelters, plant your feet in the fortress of God’s righteousness. His throne is unshaken, His eyes miss nothing, and His love for you burns brighter than the fiercest tempest. Let this truth embolden you to live boldly for Him, performing deeds of righteousness that shine like stars in the night.
When the world pressures you to despair or flee from trials, remember that your refuge is in the Lord. He sees your struggles, tests your faith to refine it, and promises that the upright will one day behold His face—a glorious hope of eternal communion with Him. Instead of running to temporary shelters—whether fear, distraction, or self-reliance—anchor your soul in God’s unchanging character. He is righteous, He loves righteous deeds, and He is your protector.

Prayer
Lord, my Refuge, when storms rage and arrows fly, anchor my soul in Your unshakable throne. Let me see Your radiant temple above the chaos, Your eyes watching over me with fierce love. Burn away my fears with Your justice and warm my heart with Your promise that I will one day behold Your glorious face. Through Christ, my Savior, embolden me to stand firm and live righteously. Heavenly Father, in this world that often feels chaotic and threatening, help me to take refuge in You alone. Strengthen my faith to trust Your sovereign care, even when the foundations seem to shake. Thank You for Your perfect justice and steadfast love. May I live righteously, reflecting Your character, and rest in the hope of one day beholding Your face through Christ my Savior. Amen.

Challenge
Today, identify one area where fear or pressure tempts you to “flee” from trusting God. Paint a mental picture of God’s throne above it, unshaken and radiant. In prayer, surrender this trial to Him, and take one vivid step of faith—a kind word, a bold stand, or a righteous deed—to reflect His light in the darkness and take one practical step to live out a righteous deed that honors Him.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms – 10

/ taethne

Devotional on Psalm 10: A Cry for Justice, A Call to Trust
Scripture Reading: Psalm 10 (ESV)

Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, are caught in the schemes he devises. 3 He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord. 4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. 5 His ways are always prosperous; your laws are rejected by[b] him; he sneers at all his enemies. 6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.” 7 His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. 8 He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims; like a lion in cover he lies in wait. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net. His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.  He says to himself, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees.” 12 Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. 13 Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”? 14 But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out. 16 The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. 17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

Reflection: The Heart’s Cry in a Broken World
Psalm 10 is a raw, honest lament, a cry from the psalmist’s heart as he observes the rampant injustice in the world around him. The wicked prosper, the poor are oppressed, and it seems as though God is distant, silent, or even hidden. This psalm, attributed to David in the Septuagint tradition, resonates with the struggles of God’s people across centuries—whether in ancient Israel, the early church, or today. From a historical Christian perspective, Psalm 10 invites us to wrestle with the tension between God’s apparent absence and His unchanging faithfulness, a theme echoed by church fathers, reformers, and saints through the ages.
The psalm begins with a question that feels timeless: “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?” (v. 1). Early Christian thinkers like Augustine saw in this cry a reflection of the human soul’s longing for God amid suffering. Augustine, in his Expositions on the Psalms, reminds us that God is never truly absent, even when He seems hidden. The psalmist’s bold questioning models a faith that dares to bring its doubts to God, trusting Him enough to voice frustration. This honesty is a hallmark of Christian devotion, from the desert fathers who prayed in solitude to the Puritans who sought God’s justice in a world of corruption.
As the psalm describes the arrogance of the wicked—those who “boast of the desires of their heart” (v. 3) and “say in their heart, ‘God has forgotten’” (v. 11)—we see a portrait of human pride that defies God’s authority. The early church faced such opposition in the Roman Empire, where Christians were persecuted by those who mocked their faith. Yet, leaders like Tertullian and Ignatius of Antioch found hope in passages like Psalm 10:12–15, where the psalmist pleads, “Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand!” They believed that God sees the afflicted, hears their cries, and will ultimately bring justice. This conviction sustained martyrs and fueled the church’s perseverance.
The psalm’s closing assurance, “The Lord is king forever and ever” (v. 16), anchors its hope in God’s eternal reign. Medieval theologians like Thomas Aquinas emphasized God’s sovereignty as the foundation of Christian hope, even when earthly powers seem to triumph. The Reformers, such as John Calvin, echoed this, teaching that God’s delay in acting is not indifference but a call to trust His perfect timing. Calvin, in his commentary on the Psalms, noted that God’s “hiding” is a test of faith, refining believers to rely on His promises rather than their circumstances.


Application: Trusting God in the Waiting
Psalm 10 speaks to us today as it did to Christians centuries ago. When we see injustice—whether systemic oppression, personal betrayal, or the flourishing of the wicked—it’s natural to echo the psalmist’s cry: “Why, O Lord?” Yet, the historical Christian witness reminds us that God is not aloof. The cross of Christ, the ultimate answer to human suffering, reveals a God who enters our pain and triumphs over it. As the early church father Chrysostom wrote, Christ’s resurrection assures us that God’s justice will prevail, even if we must wait for it.
In your own life, where do you feel God seems distant? Bring your questions to Him, as the psalmist did, with bold faith. Trust that He sees the afflicted, hears your prayers, and will act in His perfect time. Like the saints of old, let Psalm 10 inspire you to persevere, knowing that “the Lord hears the desire of the afflicted” (v. 17) and will one day set all things right.


Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in a world marred by injustice, we often feel the weight of the psalmist’s cry: “Why do you hide yourself?” Yet, we trust that You are the King forever, seeing the oppressed and hearing our prayers. Strengthen our faith to wait on Your justice and to live as Your witnesses, proclaiming Your love and righteousness. Through Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen.


For Further Reflection:
• Read Psalm 10 alongside Romans 8:18–25 to see how the New Testament fulfills the psalmist’s hope.
• Consider the writings of Augustine or Calvin on the Psalms for deeper insight into God’s sovereignty and human suffering.
• Reflect on a current injustice in your life or the world. How can you trust God’s timing while actively seeking His kingdom? 

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms – 5

/ taethne

Devotional on Psalm 5:
Scripture Reading: Psalm 5 (ESV)
“Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch… Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.“

Reflection: The Cry of the Righteous
Psalm 5, penned by David, resonates with the raw honesty and fervent trust of a soul seeking God amidst trial. This psalm has been a cornerstone for believers across centuries, offering a model of prayer that balances lament, trust, and hope in God’s righteous character. Early church fathers like Augustine and Chrysostom saw in this psalm a call to morning prayer, a discipline of aligning one’s heart with God at the dawn of each day, as well as a reminder of God’s justice against the backdrop of human wickedness.


David begins with an urgent plea: “Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning” (v. 1). This is no polite request, but the cry of a man surrounded by enemies, likely during the tumultuous days of Saul’s pursuit or Absalom’s rebellion. For early Christians, this resonated deeply. Persecuted believers in the Roman Empire, like those addressed in the writings of Tertullian, found solace in David’s example of bringing their distress directly to God. They understood that God is not distant but a “King and God” who hears the cries of His people (v. 2). This intimacy emboldened martyrs and confessors to face suffering with courage, trusting that God would either deliver them or sustain them through trial.


The phrase “in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch” (v. 3) holds profound significance. For David, this likely referred to literal sacrifices offered at the tabernacle, but for Christians through the ages, it points to the sacrifice of praise and a life devoted to God. The early church, as seen in the Didache and writings of Justin Martyr, emphasized morning prayer as a spiritual discipline, a way to consecrate the day to God. The act of “watching” suggests expectant faith—waiting on God’s response with confidence. This echoes the New Testament call to “wait on the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31), a theme cherished by Reformers like Calvin, who taught that prayer is the soul’s ascent to God, trusting in His timing and will.


David’s contrast between the righteous and the wicked (vv. 4–6) reflects God’s holy character, a truth central to historical Christian theology. Augustine, in his Expositions on the Psalms, emphasized that God’s hatred of evil is not capricious but rooted in His perfect justice. This gave comfort to believers facing moral corruption in their societies, from the decadence of Rome to the challenges of the medieval world. Yet, David’s plea is not for vengeance but for guidance: “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness” (v. 8). This prayer for a straight path inspired figures like Thomas à Kempis, who in The Imitation of Christ urged believers to seek God’s guidance amidst life’s trials, trusting that His righteousness would prevail.


The psalm closes with a note of joy and refuge (vv. 11–12), a theme that resonated with the early church’s eschatological hope. For believers facing martyrdom or exile, the promise that “those who love your name may exult in you” was a foretaste of eternal joy. This hope carried through to the Reformation, where Luther found in Psalm 5 a reminder that God’s favor is a shield for His people, protecting them not only from physical enemies but from despair and doubt.


Application: A Prayer for Today
As modern believers, we can draw from this historical well of faith. Like David, we face a world marked by opposition—whether external pressures or internal struggles. Psalm 5 invites us to begin each day with prayer, offering our “sacrifice” of trust and devotion. Let us cry out to God with honesty, knowing He hears our groans. Let us seek His righteous path, trusting that He will guide us through the noise of our enemies—be they cultural, spiritual, or personal. And let us take refuge in His joy, confident that His favor surrounds us as a shield.


Prayer
O Lord, my King and my God, hear my morning cry. Amidst the noise of this world, lead me in Your righteousness. Make Your way straight before me, and let me find refuge in Your steadfast love. May I exult in Your name today, trusting that Your favor is my shield. Amen.


For Further Reflection
• How can you incorporate morning prayer into your daily routine, following the example of David and the early church?
• Where do you need God’s guidance to walk in His righteousness today?
• Reflect on a time when God’s favor felt like a shield in your life. How does this encourage you to trust Him now? 

Hymn Devotions Day 20 – How Firm A Foundation

/ taethne

DAY 20 – HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION

How I love the affirmation of Scripture in the very first verse of this wonderful hymn! We can count on God’s Word. It’s veracity gives us a rock solid foundation for our faith. Everything we need to have a godly life pleasing to Him is found in His Word. It is complete.

I also love the way the author depicts how God is with us, our Rock. We are able to trust Him. Every word, every promise He gives us, is true and we can lean on Him at all times. He will never leave us nor forsake us. There is no place we can go where His presence cannot be with us. How comforting that is.

That truth is also frightening. Whenever I go someplace a Christian ought not to go, whenever I place myself in situations I ought not to be in, I take Christ there with me. I expose Him to shame and grieve His Holy Spirit.

We are even shown, in verse 4, the truth that the fiery trials we encounter are merely to refine us, not destroy us. God lets us go through them not to bring harm to us, but to purify us and make us strong.

What a wise and loving God we serve. No matter what we go through, no matter who or what seeks to conquer us, we can stand firm with the shield of faith, steadfast in the knowledge that the Lord is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in times of trouble.

 

Lord, what a blessing Your Holy Word is. Thank you so much for giving it to us. Help me to study it and to hide it in my heart, so that I might not sin against You. 

 

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION – Robert Keen? George Keith?

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!

What more can He say than to you He has said

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

 

“Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed

For I am Your God and will still give you aid

I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause thee to stand

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

 

When through the deep waters I call thee to go

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow

For I will be with thee, your troubles to bless

And sanctify thee to your deepest distress

 

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie

My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply

The flame shall not hurt thee I only design

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine

 

The soul that on Jesus, hath leaned for repose

I will not, I will not desert to his foes

That soul though all hell shall endeavor to shake

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”