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Psalm 9:7-12  

But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds! For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

There is no getting around it…the journey of life will take us through some stormy stretches. From unmet expectations to unfilled dreams; from personal battles with illness to the death of those we love; from disappointment to discouragement to disillusionment to depression, we will experience times of trouble.

Stormy stretches are never traveled alone. Our trust is in the One who sits enthroned forever. Our constant companion is our traveling refuge. God never ignores those who look to Him for help. He “does not forget the cry of the afflicted.”

God is sovereign over all. God is a stronghold. God will never forsake you. God will never forget you. With your heart cry out to Him! Tell Him all about your situation. Tell Him how you are feeling. Tell Him your fears. God never leaves His children. When we remind ourselves of who God is and cry out for His help, we open our hearts to experience His presence. That’s what we were longing for all along.

It is stormy today, Lord. Discouragement saturates my soul like a steady rain from dark clouds. I can relate to the words “oppressed, “trouble,” and “afflicted” in today’s psalm, so I claim the promise of this psalm. I am seeking You; I know You will not forsake me. I am crying out to You; I know You have not forgotten me. I open my heart to You; help me experience Your presence. Be my stronghold. In Jesus’ name. Amen.