EVERY AFFLICTION YOU ALLOW US TO SUFFER

IS AN OPPORTUNITY

TO LEARN &
TO GROW &
TO CONQUER!

O LORD, God of our salvation;

Morning & evening we lay our needs before You.

Listen, please, Lord.

Hear what we’re saying.

Our soul is in need, as always.

Our moods are too changeful

While we feel renewed in Your Spirit

Our mind & heart are hungrier than ever,

We feel like we’ve come through a dark valley

into fields of green & gold,

We’re still far too easily brought down by the negativity of others

We’re still far too easily brought down by the awareness of people’s disapproval.

We’re not a victim of circumstance…

but we too often act like one,

as though the pit is always a step or two ahead of us.

But, Lord, we say to You now, while we have strength to say it,

Sure let our companions shun us;

Sure let people misunderstand us,

But let the uninformed be ungracious toward us!

We rely on You, O LORD;

We spread out our hands to You.

Your steadfast love is our food, Your faithfulness is our drink.

As long as You continue to reveal Your wonders to us

We will trust You to teach us & not to care what others say or believe about us.

You know our heart.

Every morning our prayer comes before You.

Though it may feel like it at times, You never cast us away

You never hide Your face from us.

We’re nothing without You.
We’re helpless without You.

Whatever attacks You we’re open to.
Let them come our way

We will do our best, by Your grace, to withstand,

We remember that even when our former companions believe lies or tell lies about us,

that every affliction You allow us to suffer

is an opportunity to learn & grow & conquer!

Psalms 88 paraphrased