Psalms 61: 10-12
Is it not you oh God who cast us off? And you God who did not go out with our armies? Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

This psalm is an urgent prayer from king David for the restored favor of God. David seems to be fighting battles against his enemy's and does not see God helping him. He seems to be wondering where God's favor is over his battles. Over the past two years I have many opportunities to feel the same way. My battle has not been with an army but with the economy, kids problems, things breaking in my home, parents dying. My dad at this very moment is at death's door.

When life gets overwhelming and disappointing, I have two choices, I can get in my row boat or my sailboat. If I chose my row boat I am in control. I am the master of my own boat as I grab the oars and in my own strength start to cut into the surface of the deep. I know this journey well. I am "doing" something. I am moving. I am surviving. I am thinking, worrying, and reacting to my situation in fear. Working diligently, my only accomplishment, is sweat running from my brow, with sorrow and disappointment as my friends.

I left no room for God to work. I jumped off on my own agenda and find myself worn out from all the work and worry. At that moment I might be like David and ask God, "Is it not you who cast me off? Why did you not go out with me to fight my army?"

I can hear God's response, "I was not consulted. There was no room for me in your rowboat. Remember my gift to you is freedom to chose...."

At this point I remember, the sailboat. God created the wind that can show me the way to understanding. He can show me the way to go and give me strength through His wind to carry me there. I can relax and have peace on the way. "Through God we will do valiantly." The base of the word valiantly in Greek is HIKANOS. It means to arrive competent (as if coming in season), ample in amount and fit in character plus content, enough, good, great, large, long (while), many, meet, much, security, sore, sufficient, and worthy. I will take my freedom of choice and chose to be valiant!

In response to the word of God I will make changes in my life today by:

Stop: Trying to do things in my own strength
Do: Walk valiantly in God's ways.
Know: God is never against me.
Change: The choices I make to go forward in my own strength.

Mimwrite