April 29

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him". Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

So often we can feel like everything depends on us—how we manage day to day; how we help others; how we get what we need in supply, provision, strength, and more. Stress comes right in on the heels of all of these expectations—those we place on ourselves, and those we feel others are piling up on us.
 
We can carry the weight of: I need to do it…or I have no choice…it is all up to me. But what if there is a better way, a way that causes your heart to rejoice in thanksgiving and celebration instead of being weighted down with pressure and fear?
 
What if you could give it all to God—your past, present, future—your children, spouse, job or position—or lack thereof in any of these areas—and trust! Imagine tucking it all up in a very large and very lovingly cared for package and seeing the angels gently scooping it away, delivering it right into the hands of God! 

He then receives it with joy, so blessed that you would trust Him with all that means so very much to you, and one by one He takes them out….”Oh, yes, I have this one. I have the perfect answer to that one.  I have already made provision and taken care of this one….and on and on it goes!
 
In His heart of love, and in His constant and committed care, the One Who is your strength and shield, is the very help, and all the help really, that you need! You don’t have to carry it alone and you don’t have to carry it at all! Father, Son, and Holy Spirit know exactly what to do, and they can do what you could never do!
 
As much as you may feel obligated, or want to manage it all on your own, if you look to God, He will send help—well timed help—in a variety of ways and means—all beyond what you could ever think of or imagine!

What else can you do in this situation, beloved, but let your heart rejoice and your voice sing! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow—for they are flowing right to you! 

​Prayer:
 
I thank You, Lord, that when I call to You—help is already on the way. You are working, Jesus,  in ways I do not know, and cannot always see, but I do know that You are my strength and my shield—my ever present help in times of trouble and You always hear my pleas!

Come today, Father, into every area of need, and with Your strong arms and plenteous redemption, rescue me!

You are the inner strength of all of Your people, the Mighty Protector over all. You are the Good Shepherd, going before us—lovingly, tenderly, passionately and protectively, carrying us in Your arms.

I am helped by You today, Lord. In every area of need. I will sing my songs of praise to You! What greater joy could there be!