Each morning, I wake up I praise the Lord for His faithfulness and love!
Admittedly some mornings I would like to stay in bed a little longer and some mornings I do just that. But there isn’t a day that I don’t thank Him for the many blessings I have received and the courage and confidence that I have in His love.
I have some dear close friends with whom I share my heart, but none is sweeter than the friend I have in Jesus. Those words are some that I read in Psalm 144 this morning.
“I praise you, Lord! You are my mighty rock, and you teach me how to fight my battles.
2 You are my friend, my fortress, where I am safe. You are my shield, and you made me the ruler of our people.” Psalm 144:1-2 CEV
“ Praise the Lord! He is my Rock. He prepares me for war. He trains me for battle.
2 He loves me and protects me. He is my safe place high on the mountain. He rescues me. He is my shield. I trust in him. He helps me rule my people.” Psalm 144:1-2 ERV
Two translations of the same verse. One is written in the first person – I praise you Lord and the other is written in the third person – Me telling you what God has done for me. Both convey the same message of God’s love and protection, but I was drawn to the CEV writing because that’s how I feel about the Lord – “You are my friend”.
We have many praise and worship songs that were written in the last twenty years, more contemporary music styles yet one old hymn that I dearly love is “What A Friend” we have in Jesus. This song was written in 1855, the words still ring true in my heart.
“What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
3 Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.”
Imagine the heart of the man that penned these words. Had he known lack of peace, trials, temptations, betrayal, weakness, discouragement and sorrow? He knew there was one place to find solace and comfort, “What a Friend we have in Jesus, take it to the Lord in prayer”.
Coffee is a good way to start the day but spending time with Jesus is better! Take it to the Lord in prayer!!