encourage(me)nt

In my time of prayer and reading the word this morning I came across a Psalm that almost knocked me over the head with the overwhelming sense that I could have written it word for word after what happened this past year and I just can't help but share it with all of my readers.


I hope that if you ever face struggles and discouragement in terms of the evilness (especially the self-righteous kind) this world can subject you to, if you pray for your enemies and those who deceived you into believing they were your friends, and you need a sense of peace and hope, a confirmation that the Lord will reward your faithfulness, you will find it in reading this Psalm.

Psalm 5:1-12

O Lord, hear me as I pray;

pay attention to my groaning.

Listen to my cry for help, my King

and my God,

for I pray to no one but you.

Listen to my voice in the morning,

Lord.

Each morning I bring my requests

to you and wait expectantly.

O God, you take no pleasure in

wickedness;

you cannot tolerate the sins

of the wicked.

Therefore, the proud may not stand

in your presence,

for you hate all who do evil.

You will destroy those who tell lies.

The Lord detests murderers and

deceivers.

Because of your unfailing love, I can

enter your house;

I will worship at your Temple with

deepest awe.

Lead me in the right path, O Lord,

or my enemies will conquer me.

Make your way plain for me

to follow.

My enemies cannot speak a truthful

word.

Their deepest desire is to destroy 

others.

Their talk is foul, like the stench

from an open grave.

Their tongues are filled with

flattery.

O God, declare them guilty.

Let them be caught in their own traps.

Drive them away because of their 

many sins,

for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you

rejoice;

let them sing joyful praises

forever.

Spread your protection over them,

that all who love your name may

be filled with joy.

For you bless the godly, O Lord;

you surround them with your

shield of love.

{Ashford Castle, Mayo Co., Ireland}