From 119:141-144
”I make your commands my delight, Lord, not being comfortable or having freedom from stress, for in the midst of difficulty your Word is sweeter still.
“Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. Your statutes are forever right….” Praise be to you, O Lord God Almighty, that you are the measure of what is true, right and good.
We so easily confuse comfort and convenience with good; but you so carefully teach us that weakness, hardships, insults, persecutions and difficulties are also things to delight in—when we have your perspective, think your thoughts and see with your eyes (2 Cor. 12:9,10).
Praise you that with your Word, you work to give us the big picture, to help us understand what you are doing. You draw us up above the snares and rebellious thoughts of the world, the flesh and the devil.
Thank you for the shield of faith that we can raise with praise to ward off the fiery darts–like those of self-pity, anger, frustration, impatience, self-centeredness and hurt as well as short-term thinking and feeling.
• Praise raises the barrier of protection.
• Praise heals the wounds.
• Praise opens our eyes.
• Praise produces perspective.
• Praise brings freedom.
All this is true because you, Lord Jesus, are the great Shepherd, intimately concerned with each of us each moment.
• You know us completely.
• You supply all that is necessary.
• You design the next lesson we need.
• You make us lie down in green pastures.
• You give us rest.
• You bring transformation.
• You guide us in the right way.
• You lead us into and through the dark valleys.
• You know exactly what you are doing.
• And we can trust You.
May Your commands be our delight no matter what we may experience.
