When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2. 

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33. 

A faithful friend in the Lord nudged me gently yesterday to praise the blessings of God and to do that well, I need to let my heart soar with the blessings God surrounds us with. And our faithful Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit – reminds me to let go of the control I have that feeds my fears with weight and authority. When I am in control, I feed my fears. When I turn to God, His love surrounds me with the peace only He can give. 

In a way, we could each of us write psalms to God of our own struggles without His help, and of our joy and freedom when He is with us. 

David wrote in this psalm, Psalm 30, of exalting in the steadfast love of God that never failed him. I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me…Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name…For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning…You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent…Lord my God, I will praise you forever. v. 1, 4, 5, 11, 12. David said, When I felt secure, I said, I will never be shaken…but when you hid your face, I was dismayed…Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help. v. 6, 7, 10. Isn’t that how it is? We feel most insecure in ourselves no matter how big a front we show to others. He asked, What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? v. 9. Yes. Everything proclaims God’s faithfulness…except us. 

Lord, help me be faithful…be my help so needed always. Help me to let go of control that does not exist in me at all. The weight of the world’s Sin is not mine to bear. You have told us that nothing can separate us from Your love…and You told us that so that in You we may have Your peace. Can we sit with that awhile and consider what that means for us? I don’t ask that you save me from the world because this world that You created is beautiful and filled with Your blessings. I ask that You save everyone in this world from Sin, and open our eyes and hearts and minds to You, our Savior. Free us from the weight of our own sins and the sins of everyone else; and help our hearts to soar with You helping us always. Will there be tribulation? Of course. You have never lied to us. We make the tribulation. Help us see the truth, Lord, and turn to You. There is such freedom in Your Love, Lord, and I praise You!