PRAYER:
Father, you are my strength when I am weak. As the arrows of my enemy sorrow, your shield protects. The arrow may graze me but never stop me from trusting you. With your help, I can run my race. When it’s time to pivot, may I resist frustration and embrace change. Remind me even though the method may shift, the goal remains. The length of our circumstance is unknown. May my fears bow down to Your authority. You hold our hope. You lift my head with your touch. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for never leaving me. May Your will be done in my life.  In Jesus Name- Amen
READ:
“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—  soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” – Psalm 42:5 (MSG)
When disappointment hits, it takes everything within us to control our emotions. Sometimes we have no desire to limit our emotions, permitting the ugly crying to commence. But do we stay there? Yesterday was a battle for me as circumstances out of my control kept taunted my emotions. Â
Have you ever had those days when one thing after another continues to smack you in the face?  Three arrows locked their aim on my family. With each attempt, one after another, wounded my spirit but never took me out. God remained faithful and provided answers that shielded us from the intensity of each sting. These answers still required cost and even a bit of humbling, especially when my pants ripped at work. I couldn’t help but laugh, or the tears would flow. But God made a way in each circumstance to stand firm.Â
 As I left to change, I recalled each way God interceded on our behalf that day. Out of my gratitude I began to praise Him. I was able to go home and change! God showed me that day how much He cares for me and my dignity. No one saw the hole in my jeans, and because I work in an empty room right now, no one even noticed I changed during lunch.Â
Frustration, disappointment, or even fearfulness are ways the enemy uses to distance us from God. The writer of this Psalm knew how to find hope. Worship helps return our gaze to God. Our struggles will be there, but so will He! I pray if you’re experiencing a trial right now that you will see God interceding on your behalf!  And may God put a smile on your face.
