O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, "There is no help for you in God."

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people!

Psalm 3:1-8

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get us down. An unkind word, a bad phone call, work that needs to be done at home or on the car, an argument with a family member. Any one of these things can set is off. However, when we look up and focus on God, something good happens. We get our eyes off ourselves and gain a new appreciation for Him. Next time you are down, look up to God. Meditate on God’s goodness, talk to Him, and know that He hears you. That will give you strength when you are down.

When life knocks you on your knees,

you are in a good position to pray.

Our Daily Bread – May 11, 2004