Psalm 63:5-7 – My soul will be satisfied with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

Lord God, I’ve noticed something lately and this psalm confirms it. When my heart is troubled and I am not at peace, it is usually not the result of trouble in my life. It is usually not the result of people who are unkind to me. It is usually not because of how tired I am. When my heart is not at peace, it is because of a deeper, spiritual problem. I see David cry out to you from a dry and weary land and yet, and yet, he finds satisfaction, fullness, and joy even there. When I am afraid, when I am trouble, when I am tired and discouraged, when I am bitter and angry, then, dear Savior, it is time for me to repent. It is time for me to repent of my bitterness and unforgiveness. It is time for me to repent of my shortness and lack of compassion with others. It is time for me to repent of my faithlessness to my callings. It is time to repent of my anger and frustration at you for not doing what I thought that you should do. It is time to repent of my self-trust and a pursuit of self-glory. It is time to repent of seeking my will instead of your kingdom. Forgive me, dear Savior-God, and restore to me the peace of your forgiveness. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. And help me to be what you are for me. Grant me grace to forgive others for their sins against me, even if they aren’t sorry. Grant me grace and compassion to give to those who need a little bit more of it from me. Grant me faithfulness to my callings. Grant me contentment with the fruit of my labors, the fruit that you give from the richness of your hand. Most of all, dear Lord, grant me great joy to know that my name is written in heaven itself. Amen.