This morning I sat on my front porch swing to have my coffee and spend time with God.  Today, Ps 5:11-12 really stood out, but I couldn’t figure out why. 

Ps 5:11  But let all those that put their trust in You rejoice: let them ever shout for you, because you defend them; let them also that love your name be joyful in you.

Ps 5:12  For you, Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour will you compass him as a with a shield.  

Then as I was swinging and sipping my coffee and thinking about what this meant, our mail carrier came by dropping off a stack of bills and flyers.  She’s an old friend of mine and it was good to see her.  We chatted about several things.  I asked her about her husband.  He’s a great guy – really funny and kind.  Unfortunately, he had been having trouble with an abusive boss for many years.  The stress of his toxic workplace had been really getting to him and it was affecting their family life, too.  Well, the trouble at work finally ‘burst’, like a sick appendix.  He was treated so incredibly horribly – terrible employment and human rights violations against him.  But both my friend and I agreed it was kind of a relief.  She also said her husband felt great relief even during the most humiliating part of it because the bad boss finally dug a deep pit for himself that he wasn’t going to get out of.  She left me saying she’d update me as things progressed but she’s relieved and hopeful about the future. 

Today’s scripture really applies to her husband.  And I’ve been in terrible work circumstances, too.  I remember how sickening it is and how it destroys your peace.  I remember not being able to calm down in the evening and how long it took to fall asleep, only to have a fitful night and wake up feeling unrefreshed and frustrated. 

Buddy, stay strong.  Ps 4:3  Know that the LORD has set you apart for himself!  (Know that) the LORD hears you when you call!  But here’s the warning: Ps 4:4  Be angry and stand in awe, but sin not.  (It’s ok to be outraged at how your boss treated you, but don’t let that cause you to sin.  Stay strong.)  Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. (Check yourself and be sorry for your wrong thoughts.  Calm yourself.)  Ps 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness (because right now it’s hard to do the right thing – it really is a sacrifice), and put your trust in the LORD. 

Sometimes I forget and feel like I have to fight my battles alone, but that is simply wrong thinking.  Ps 5:11 says Let all those that put (that means an active decision) their trust in you rejoice …because you defend them.  Not only that, not only does the LORD take on our battles, but Ps 5:12 says For you, LORD, bless the righteous; with favour will you compass him as with a shield.  In today’s lingo –that would be a force-field of favour!

And remember these powerful promises:  (1.) God promises you will have restful sleep:  Ps 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep.  (notice you will get BOTH – laying down feeling peaceful AND you will sleep, peacefully): for you, LORD, only make me dwell in safety.   (2.) God promises a good morning:  Ps 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awakened; for the LORD sustained me.  He gives you peaceful, pleasant, restorative sleep so that you wake up feeling sustained, renewed, refreshed.  And these promises are good no matter what your ‘battle’ is.  As long as you stay faithful, God will honour His promises.

Hang in there, Buddy.  I am fully convinced that you will see God do amazing things.  He will vindicate you, and you can expect to receive favour.  You are untouchable if you follow Ps 4:4.  God’s force-field of favour is upon you.  God has got your back.  Be encouraged.  Ps 5:11….REJOICE!