I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 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. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

As I read these words today, I am getting choked up. I serve a great God. He lifts me up. When I am down, beaten up, hungry, and worn out, he is a faithful Father and he lifts me up, places me in a safe place, and heals my wounds.

How do those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus — who do not have his Holy Spirit inside them — how do they thrive in a world controlled by an evil prince, the Devil? I know I would become bitter and lash out, if I did not have the wonderful Spirit of God ministering to me and guiding me in life.

Sometimes in life it feels like the light of our soul’s candle is put out. Our life-song is now painful to hear. It feels like those things I once lived for have evaporated. It can feel like life is just too hard. These feelings are real. However, for the Christ-follower, they do not need to define us. The truth is, we serve a God that can put a new song of joy in our mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. He can relight the candle and turn it into a blazing torch of spiritual passion, even in hard times.

How do I trust God with the daily struggles, the lasting challenges, and the stress and uncertainty in life? I must recount his goodness. I must share the praises of his faithfulness and my deliverance. I must cling to those past times of seeing him work and re-focus my mind to trust him now too.

Lord, you are my rock. You lift me up. You set me in safety. You heal my heart and give me a new song to sing. Praise your name! You have been so faithful, and you remain faithful even in challenges. You are worthy, oh Lord, my God!