September 9, 2007
Psalm 34
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
The only assurance I have is in you, Lord. Your word is the Living Word, and I claim it for myself. You know the fear I am trying to overcome. Your word does not say you might protect my bones, it says you protect them that not one will be broken. You have taught me not to fear death, but to love life... the life I have in you. I pray for your encampment around me, tonight as I sleep and in the morning in that hospital room. I pray for your will to be done in my life, on earth as it is in Heaven. I speak your word boldly. You purchased me with a price... it cost you everything. I am not ashamed that I am a child of yours. I am running to you now, as only a child can do with her Father. Guard me and protect me and make known the healing that has already taken place.