Psalm 143

O Lord, hear my prayer,

listen to my cry for mercy;

in your faithfulness and righteousness

come to my relief.

Do not bring your servant into judgement,

for no one living is righteous before you.

The enemy pursues me,

he crushes me to the ground

he makes me dwell in darkness

like those long dead.

So my spirit grows faint within me;

my heart within me is dismayed.

I remember the days of long ago;

I meditate on all your works

and consider what your hands have done.

I spread out my hands to you;

my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.

Answer me quickly, O Lord;

my spirit fails.

Do not hide your face from me

or I will be like those who go down to the pit.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I lift up my soul.

Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord,

for I hide myself in you.

Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God;

may your good Spirit

lead me on level ground.

For you name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life;

in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble,

In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;

destroy all my foes,

for I am your servant.

This is my favorite Psalm. I first read this in college at a time when I needed to hear these words. Is there ever really a time when we don't need to hear these words or any other scripture. At times of despair, worry, even happiness and joy we still need to remember that God has us, always, in His hands. We are His servants, not the world's. We are at His mercy, not at the mercy of our jobs, or money, or any other "thing" that we can easily give ourselves over to. Psalm 143 is my prayer for you and all of those people out there who need comfort.

God Bless all of you and may your day be lifted by Him!

HB