Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

---

Read

Psalm 20 (NRSV)

The LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. Selah

May he grant you your heart’s desire,
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the LORD our God.
They will collapse and fall,
but we shall rise and stand upright.

Give victory to the king, O LORD;
answer us when we call.

---

Reflect

Struggles in life are common and to be expected. When we endure these struggles by ourselves, we become stuck in a pit of despair and anguish. Before battle, King David cried out to the Lord. He knew the source of his strength, and it wasn’t chariots, horses, or armed warriors. God was the source of his strength—in all areas of his life.

When we are feeling depressed or hopeless, our only true source of hope comes from God. God hears every prayer and responds. We cry out and express our needs, but God enters into our pain in ways we never imagined. We think we have the answer to many of the battles we face, but God’s response is far from what ours would be. God knows exactly what will heal and sustain. Praise be to God!

---

Pray

God, we are so grateful for your strength and comfort. Thank you for hearing and responding to our prayers. Amen.

Go with God.