LORD, DON'T HOLD BACK
Today's reading: Psalm 39-41

"Lord, don't hold back your tender mercies from me. My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness. For troubles surround me-too many to count! They pile up so high I can't see my way out. They are more numerous than the hairs on my head, I have lost all my courage." Psalm 40:11-12 NLT

God,

I've got to be brutally honest with You--I'm afraid of some of the things looming ahead of me.

The things You've asked me to do. The situations I have no control over. The situations You're asking me to shine Your light into. The stands You're asking me to take. The opportunities You're giving me to wait on.

I don't know where to begin. I don't think I have the courage to do them all. Fear tells me I won't do any of them well. Public opinion leads me to believe my efforts won't even matter. Doubt refers to my track record.

I feel surrounded.

I feel trapped.

I feel inadequate.

I feel discouraged.

So please, please--oh, please, don't hold back Your tender mercies from me! I need all You have. I need to feel you closer to me than ever. I need to see You with new eyes. I need to know You are with me, guiding my every step.

My only hope is in You.

So be it, Lord.

Your striving servant, Malinda