Covered in His Peace

  I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and made my feet steady. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord. (Psalm 40: 1-3, New Century Version)

My COVID symptoms have gotten much, much better over the last 36 hours. My daughter is finally starting to do better as well.

Happy is the person who trusts the Lord, who doesn’t turn to those who are proud or to those who worship false gods. Lord my God, you have done many miracles. Your plans for us are many. If I tried to tell them all, there would be too many to count. (Psalm 40: 4-5, New Century Version)

But our lives have been far from trouble-free. As already mentioned, the health of me and my immediate family members is okay. Even my son’s dog is doing okay. But there is so much else out there that is not okay. Not even close.

Lord, do not hold back your mercy from me; let your love and truth always protect me. Troubles have surrounded me; there are too many to count. My sins have caught me so that I cannot see a way to escape. I have more sins than hairs on my head, and I have lost my courage. Please, Lord, save me. Hurry, Lord, to help me. (Psalm 40: 11-13, New Century Version)

Friday night, with so much on my mind, I laid in bed for hours, praying and finally reached for my Bible, where I’ve been reading Psalms. Chapter 40 was the one that came up next.

But let those who follow you be happy and glad. They love you for saving them. May they always say, “Praise the Lord!” Lord, because I am poor and helpless, please remember me. You are my helper and savior. My God, do not wait. (Psalm 40: 16-17, New Century Version)

I turned out the light and God blanketed me in His peace. And to be honest, He didn’t blanket me in sleep, as I laid there another hour. But at least I had His peace.