Saturday morning was finally here! My husband, Mike and I were looking forward to a few days of peace, quiet and relaxation. Swiftly confusion swept in and changed the trajectory of our weekend. Instead of the refreshing, catch-our-breath weekend we were expecting, we were left with sadness, anger, and new issues to deal with.

The details really don’t matter as it could have been any of a myriad of problems that pop into our lives. Satan has many ways in which he shows up to “steal, kill, and destroy,” as the Bible tells us. I Peter 5:8 says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

But God. There is always a but God.

That Monday morning, my Bible fell open to Psalms 20. My mind was still swirling with the events of Friday night. I wasn’t ready to face another week.

I started to read Psalms 20: “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!” Exclamation point.

Oh God, may I hear your voice over all of this.

“The name of the God of Jacob protect you!” Another exclamation point. Clearly David, the Psalmist, wanted to get his point across.

Please, my heart prays, protect our family, direct our paths.

“May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion.”

Father, I need your help. I can’t do this thing called life alone. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s hard and Satan is ever our accuser, our enemy. But our help comes from your very sanctuary!

As I continued reading, my heart felt encouraged. Faith rose up. I read phrases like, “May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans, fulfill all your petitions! He will answer from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand.”

But God. In the sometimes chaotic moments of life, when you are attacked, overwhelmed, tired, when sickness hits or confusion calls, turn to Psalms 20 and meditate on the strength he has to offer. You will be encouraged too.

God will send you help from his holy mountain. He is good. He alone is faithful. He is worthy, and he is on your side! Lean into him today, put your head upon his chest and hear his heart for you. He’s got this. He’s got you.

Father God, open our eyes to see you, our ears to hear you, and settle our hearts upon yours. Thank you for holding us up in the battles of life. Thank you for your presence. Yes, you ARE good, and we will leave our troubles in your capable mighty hands. Grant us discernment so we will know our part and follow your lead. Amen.