Today is July 1.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.  
 

      I love you, LORD, my strength.  
      The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  
         my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,  
         my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  
       I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,  
         and I have been saved from my enemies.  
      The cords of death entangled me;  
         the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.  
      The cords of the grave coiled around me;  
         the snares of death confronted me.  
       In my distress I called to the LORD;  
         I cried to my God for help.  
         From his temple he heard my voice;  
         my cry came before him, into his ears.  
 

This psalm expresses a heartfelt expression of trust and reliance on God's strength and protection, even as it communicates the feelings of overwhelm. In times of trouble and danger, we turn to God for refuge, strength and deliverance. Talk to the Lord as we begin, and invite him into any areas of distress you’re experiencing. 
 
Do you see God as your source of strength and refuge? Are you quick to turn to him in times of distress, or do you first try to handle problems on your own? The psalmist write that he calls to God when He is in need of help. He cries out, even. Listen again to the psalm and find a few words or a phrase to hold to in your own times of trouble. 

This psalm reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God is always ready to hear our cries for help. This is true for you personally, and for us corporately. As we end of our time of prayer today, ask yourself how you might entrust a significant concern to him, and what that would mean for you practically. What might you do differently as you abide in the truth that “from his temple he hears your voice, and your cry comes before him, and into his ears?”

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)