May 2020

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
I love the book of Psalms because there is encouraging word for every day of the week. David, who wrote the majority of the Psalms, is constantly reminding himself of God’s goodness, faithfulness, mercy, and love. David tells us in Psalm 41, “the Lord rescues us in the time of trouble. The Lord nurses us when we are sick and restores us to health.” Psalm 16:1 David knows that God will keep him safe as he said: “God, you are my refuge.” Psalm 23:4 states: “even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and staff-comfort me.”

Psalm 119:11 is the reassurance of when we are faced with our darkest moments of uncertainty; we have hidden the word of God in our hearts to remind us, if God delivered us many times before, God can and will do it again. It is a must to keep close to our hearts the goodness, mercy, protection, and love God has given to us. Because if we continue to allow ourselves to be inundated with all of the negativity that surrounds us daily, we will succumb to thoughts of despair and hopelessness. Let us stay encouraged and vigilant that no matter what may come, we will forever trust in God as Psalm 121:1, “I look unto the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord.”

Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy