Was sharing with the prayer team that I have been feeling quite discouraged and despondent towards cell ministry in youth. The whole process has been quite trying and I am fearful that I may become bitter and hardened towards people and ministry. Told them that despite the temptation is to give in and let go but I know that this is what I should not do. The spirit is constantly in battle with the fleshly desires. P prayed with me through Psalms 40 and it has greatly encouraged me. It also remind me that I need to follow what He has commanded and not fix on men’s feedback and responds.
Psalm 40
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
O Lord, you will definitely lift me up from the mud and mire. You will set my feet on rock and I will not fall nor slip. Rock = Jesus and my identity is on you and in you
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Truly, put a new song in me. Let me never stop praising you.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced ;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.
Lord, are you reminding me to continue to speak of your truth and always be a reflection of Your Love for your people? Grant me strength and perseverance that I will not cease to do your works.
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
David must have felt like me before. He must also tried but he could not find strength from within.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.
14 May all who seek to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
You have always been my vindicator and never fail me. You are my righteousness. Let me not stray away from you.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
“The LORD be exalted!”
17 Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.
Yes, Lord! You are my help and deliverer in my times of needs. I want to see your Hand that protects me.
AMEN
