Letting Go of our Words

It's gonna be okay Baby.

Mommy is right here.

Here, let me help you with that.

I can show you, come here.

Need a hug? Come here...

Want Mommy to kiss it and make it better?

You need to pick up all your toys before you get the game out.

Walk right over here and your shoes won't get dirty.

Try this...

You need to eat these veggies so you can have your pudding.

Play outside for 20 minutes and then you can watch a show.

Mommy asked you to stop doing that please.

   

Oh the control we once had as the Mommy. The responsibility of a parent to be in control, and self-controlled when you felt as if you were going to lose all control in the next breath can be overwhelming. As a Mom, I loved every phase I entered, from newborn sweetness, infant giggles, to toddler voices and flower picking to the exploratory phases of elementary ages. (For me, this was the most physically fatiguing.) The independent learning and ability for deeper comprehensions of older elementary into middle school with managing friendships and extracurriculars where home became a safe base to slide home to and yet a place quickly left for a social. Hormones get a little tricky during these years and it's a different kind of Mommy fatigue than the Terrible 3's. Talk about being emotionally drained. There's so much more to manage and process. 

Enter high school, where all the encouraging and instructing things you used to say become distant cliche's because they somehow know it all. Friends, homework, jobs, girlfriends, don't forget extracurriculars dictate the schedule. Your family learns how to orbit in the same universe, especially if you have more than one child. There are still cuddles and laughter and expectations amongst the power struggles and closed doors but the leave and cleave begins to pull your child away one little tug at a time, as it ought. It's funny how intuition and reading between the lines replaces the eyes in the back of our head. 
For 18 years, we intentionally train them up in righteousness, good habits, relational skills, etiquettes and all the practical living life stuff making many decisions for them to protect them from themselves explaining our logic and reasoning time and time again. Year by year, our mouths find the subtle clinching of fewer words with less command and more compassion in each syllable. I don't find myself literally saying less really, but in some ways yes. You don't have to explain or teach as much. They get old enough to understand deeper reasoning and it can be a simple head nod and they seem to understand exactly what you are saying. For all these years our words held a special power of authority over them. In older years, the authority gradually shifts to counsel. Exasperated, I remember thinking, "Will they ever get it?!?" Ha, I still have those thoughts. I will always be praying!! 

Through every season of age there is an element of letting go, as you allow them the freedom to make choices and learn to navigate the consequences of their choices, giving less command and more observational prompts. You watch them make choices you may or may not agree with and with that, experience the outcomes which hopefully reap a good harvest and not depleting ones. This is probably the hardest part in each phase, letting go and trusting they know what they know, knowing you have done all you know to do. There's always gonna be regrets as a parent but there's always going to be grace and gratitude.
My Mommy's heart wants to protect them in every age from all harm, evil, bad decisions, pains, which is impossible to do. Truthfully, we can attempt to wrap them in bubble wrap all the days of their lives, but by doing that, we block God. At some point, with God as their ultimate Shepherd, they need to make mistakes and adapt, learning lessons from their own mistakes and what they need to do different next time. I don't believe in the School of Hard Knocks leaving them to figure each age out on their own, but at the same time, we must learn when our words have been spoken enough and the heart stretched as wide as it can go for them and trust that the Lord is their net, and not ourselves.  They are His, we have only been entrusted with them for a time such as this. We raise them up to leave and the net that follows them all the days of their lives is The Lord. 
I imagine how our bodies adapt to the approaching birth of our child from the womb as the lining thins and the cervix opens, so it is with our hearts, slowly stretching out for our child to have their own breath and beat in life, separate from ours. One, yet two. And two, yet one in Christ we live our lives.
Praying for all the Mamas out there seeking the Lord for the energy, wisdom, care, strength, discernment, self-control, gentleness, patience, grace, love, faith to choose our words for edifying, encouraging, benefiting to the raising up of these precious ones the Lord has placed in our homes, one year at a time, until death do us part. To the Glory of God, towards the Hope of Salvation and Mercy of Life, redemptive Grace and undeniable Love. Give us tender hearts and strong souls to train them up in You that they may follow You all the days of their lives. Bless us, Bless them, Bless You. Waving the white flag of surrender, Amen. 

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:7 (ESV)

Pleasures and Purpose in my Identity

THIS! What freedom when we let chocolate do its own thang, coffee do its own thang and let God do His thang! Just as no one else can accomplish what you were created for, no one (or thing) else but God can do what only He can do. It's unfair to yourself and others to expect something in return that they can't give.
I don't think we realize sometimes we are doing it. We feel unloved, overwhelmed, empty, unimportant, boring, inadequate, forgotten, useless and we look for an out, an affirmation from somewhere out in the universe that assures us we are more than we feel. We look for ways to feel better about our life, or maybe find that escape to distract us from digging deep and dealing with what we are facing in our heart. I believe God intertwined into our souls, a seeking gene, so that we would crave something more than the sum of ourselves. We were created to seek Him and find our soul satisfaction in His love alone. Creation has a unique bond to it's Creator and there is no other oneness the same.
And yet we get caught up in the tangibles that give us quick answers and satisfaction. It's almost easier even though in the end, we make more work for ourselves to get out of denial and move into soul seeking, life changing affirmation of who in the world we actually are. Runaway Bride was one of my favorite movies during such a time as this in my own life. Sometimes you just get so caught up being everything to everyone else, you forget who you are. The Scriptures are also full of examples of people needing an identity evaluation. It starts when we are young, trying to fit in and sometimes we just never break the cycle of people-pleasing and avoiding the emptiness within us.
A quick fix in friendships, relationships, marriage, food, alcohol, medications, sexuality, jobs and even in serving others. If only I had....I would feel happier, stronger, important and accepted. Instead of enjoying these for what they are meant for, we turn these pleasures into plugs, hoping they will fill the voids and somehow make us feel whole, purposeful and necessary. True love casts out fear by truth in love. Just Jesus. Only God can affirm us, give us courage, hope, strength, joy, peace, deep soul satisfaction. When we find our identity and needs met in Christ, we find the truest of self. It's not who we are, but Who's we are. Once we can answer that question, depending on what the answer is, we will live in an anchored hope in a sure foundation or we will be found on sinking sand.
Friend, let go of the quest to find approval in others. Walk in confidence in the One who knows you, sees you and loves you unconditionally knowing Who's you are. He thinks you're pretty amazing. Who else knows you better? Who knows your thoughts before you speak them? Who knows your comings and goings, when you lie down and when you are awake? (Pslam 139) Who has the authority over all things and in Him is able to do anything? (Romans 8) When your Father is The King, that makes you co-heir to royalty and all the privileges that come with that are yours. (Romans 8:16-17) His riches are immeasurable. In Him, we are powerful, loved, whole, able and enough. We are complete in Him even when we don't feel we've got it all together. Most days we don't which is why we need Him every single day.
God loves you. God will not leave you or forsake you. He wants to give you the desires of your heart in the things that make you happy, but they all originate in Him and are gifted to you to be used for His glory, reflecting this amazing grace as witness to His beautiful love. Allow Him to gift you the gifts of this earth as extensions of Himself. Enjoy serving, relationships, foods, intimacy, travel, ministry, extra curriculars, working, responsibilities, your children. Just be careful that in them, you are not expecting validation, approval, or creating your identity in them. Our lives were meant for pleasure but they were also meant for purposes greater than our eyes can see. In the spiritual realm, we are constantly at war with the enemy and our flesh and sometimes that war can lead us into temptations outside God's will. Our enemy's hope is to distract us from the voice of our Father long enough to take us captive for a fleeting moment. Over time, we can find ourselves craving the desires of the flesh over the things of God. (John 10:10) 
Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) daily and guard your hearts and minds as you seek The Lord and receive in Him who you are because you accept Him as your greatest heart's desire, purpose and provision. Seek first the Kingdom of God. (Matt 6:33) He is all you ever need. Receive His perfect love and freely enjoy the gift of salvation, walking in freedom now and for all eternity. (John 8:36) Receive the good things He has given you, for every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17)...especially Chocolate!

Pain You Can't See

Some days the pain is intense and frustrating.  Even though it may not stop me completely, it most certainly slows me down. Most days are good days like the many past yesterdays but there's days like today I wish I could sleep it off for a few hours and wake up refreshed and spunky, back at the tasks needing to be accomplished today.

Over a year ago I slipped on a wet spot at the local grocery store. They apparently had watered their fresh produce section as the hose was stretched out and the rugs below were marked half way with the water line, but there were no caution cones to draw my attention to the recent wet zone. Yes, I was totally embarrassed but the lasting wound wasn't my pride. It was my neck. It has been whiplashed, without the car, just the cart!

In the beginning there were more awful days than good days. I couldn't carry any weight, including my Study Bible or a purse. For a while, I could not work in the yard, do our laundry, and my favorite thing living here in Florida: paddle boarding and snorkeling. Even a simple ride on the boat had me on edge for the slightest bounce. Over time with therapy and oils, strength has slowly come back but every now and then, it locks up and swells. Pressure builds in my ears causing ringing and sensitivity to sudden or loud sounds and as if it cuts circulation, my eyes and face have a puffiness to it. Some days there are headaches with it but not always of which I am grateful. I name it my Penguin Day of limited mobility and hibernation at home where it is quiet and the ice pack and heating pads are constant rotations. Today is that day.

But life goes on despite the pain. I count it such a blessing to have an understanding hubby who steps up to the plate and helps me with the house and kids knowing I am temporarily out of commission and knows I will suck it up and do what I can in good moments and is even good about not allowing me to push too hard. Sitting helpless is not my forte'. My heart aches for those who have to deal with similar, and worse, ailments day in and day out, for years. Being out of commission impacts those around you in ways you can't imagine. It can be exhausting and frustrating for them as well.

As I rest here on the heating pad, I can't help but think of the other pains we carry sometimes for a season, or maybe even chronically as thorns in our flesh. Physical ailments aren't the only thing that can unravel and arrest our day. Emotional pains unravel us too. They hurt our bodies dare I say as equally as physical ones. Conflicts at home with a spouse or child, or in the work place, betrayals of family or friends, loss of loved ones, illnesses, and miscommunications, hurt our hearts, depressing our heart and body, figuratively and literally. When I am in physical pain, it depresses my mood and leaves me frustrated and in likeness, emotional pain hurts my body on the insides where it may not obvious to the seeing eye, such as palpitations, racing heart, headaches, high blood pressure, adrenal fatigue and developing ulcers. Stress of any form hurts us in every form of our being.

I wonder...if there was a frowning emoji that appeared on our foreheads when we were hurting deeply on the inside, physically or emotionally, how many of us would have one appear today? And would we want people to even know? Hmmm. I know some people enjoy a good pity party, so maybe some will. I am not one who is an attention seeker and is better at isolating to "deal," I would rather others not know unless I see need to share as maybe it keeps me from fulfilling a task promised. I hate attention. If I am hurting in any way, I would rather stay home alone.

Over the years, the Lord has helped me learn to share better with the trusted few He has blessed me with to pray my way through the painful moments in life. What a blessing they are to me. We all need praying friends for such a time as this. In the good times when life is full of laughter and on days the anguish consumes our body.

Despite the different pains I am feeling today, my heart is glad knowing that the God I love and serve with all of my heart, mind and soul, sees me, hears me and holds me. The longer I study His Word, I am shown that pain and suffering are just life. Our bodies were not made to live forever here in this dirt and soil, rather we were made for glory. No one knew suffering, betrayal or forgiveness and especially physical pain, like Christ Himself. 

Following Christ did not exempt followers from suffering and persecution. The Scriptures tell us these momentary sufferings produce a weight of eternal glory. Will we trust Him? Will we deny Him? Will our spirits glean hope from the cloud of witnesses who have gone before us in this life and endure this race? Will we forgive ourselves? Others? Will pain or praise be our battle cry? As Believers, strength comes from The Word and we are wise to dwell in it with ferver and consistency, putting on its armor and walking in its wisdom.

While we are left on this earth, as woman, can we also give thanks to the Lord for good hair products, cute clothes and awesome make up?!? For real. Thank You Lord! Unfortunately the eyes are windows to the soul and only a good pair of sunglasses can hide those. My closest friends can look me in the eyes and within 15 seconds know there is pain somewhere inside me. So if you see me wearing my sunglasses and it's not especially sunny, there's your first clue. I took this picture today to remind me of these thorny days that pain may threaten my praise but praise will always threaten my pain. God is greater.

Whatever pain you have inside you today, take comfort knowing God is compassionate and sees you where you are. There may remain a thorn or two in your flesh as do many of us, but God...His grace will be amazing if we give into resting in it and not fighting against it. The pain may not fully go away, and that’s a hard one to figure out but who are we to question the sovereign God who has established not only our path, but the course of all time and everything in it. Trust His timing and do not fear the trials you are facing within. Cry out to the Lord and surrender the questions and the pain to His care. He is more than able to carry you though the valley under the shadow of His wings, beside His still waters. No one else may know your pain, but God, He does.

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans‬ ‭12:9-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Be still my soul, be still.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.

He is good. Amen.

Overcoming The Blahs with Blessings

You just can't seem to shake it. That feeling of defeat. The weight in your body pulling you downward. Your legs and arms droop. You have the energy of a sloth. The sun seems too bright for your eyes, your heart feels deflated and your mindfulness escapes you. Blah. That's how you'd respond if someone asked you how you were feeling. I've heard it called Spring Fever, Depression, being in a Slump, having the Blues, etc and the degrees of it range the arc of a rainbow.

There's many factors that contribute to the "blahs" from hormones to life circumstances, immediate or on going. While I think there are obvious times of the year such as holidays and after New Year's we are most susceptible to feeling depressive, it can be a seasonal and random thing for any one of us. 

I am brought to prayer and writing today after seeing a few friends sharing their recent blues. The old saying "Takes one to know one" comes to mind as my heart skips a beat in shared sorrow but also in the desire to encourage. I have been here and have a tendency to be 'blah' too, so how do we break out of the blahs?!

It goes without saying but I will say it in case someone needs it to be said, if you have feelings of great despair, deplete and feel as if you have gotten to the place where death seems like your best option, you must, you must, you must reach out to your Pastor or other clergy in your church, or seek a professional counseling center in your area. This is a pit you will not navigate out alone, and you shouldn't have to. 

You are loved and there are people God has placed in your location and life, for such a time as this, to touch your heart and soul for Him and you are not alone. Reach out and reach up for that Hand. Do not waste another moment, go.

For those days and seasons we walk through the uncalendared season of Blah, what can we do to shake off the blah? Bottom line for me is Worship. Worship wipes out worry and ushers in joy. Worship is the vitamin our heart needs to be healthy. The enemy cannot steal the joy, peace or focus of a woman in deep worship.

What then is worship? According to Webster's Dictionary, worship means,
: to honor or reverence as a divine being or supernatural power 
: to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion a celebrity worshipped by her fans
: to perform or take part in worship or an act of worship

Notice it doesn't say worship is something you do for 30 minutes each week at a local church. Worship is not the singing portion of a church service. Yes, we worship the Lord through song and prayer during a corporate gathering, but the act of worship is a lifestyle, a way of thinking and living. It's the intention of the moment or activity. To honor the Lord, to put in action that which is our heart's belief of adoration.

  "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,  for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:1-2, 28-29 ESV

Each time we choose to worship over our worry of woes, our spirit refreshes and stirs the embers of Light in your soul. Worry and defeating thoughts pour water on our embers. Depending on how much you are watering your fire, depends on how quickly your Light will burn out. Even a steady drip of water can sizzle out a fire, one drop at a time if nothing else fans that flame. And when that gush pours over you due to a life crisis, how much more you can withstand if your fire was beyond the borders of it's reach. One drop of water can't put out the flares of the sun or diffuse a volcano, but it will put out the flame of a candle.

Now how? How do we worship when we feel blah? In every way: body mind, soul and spirit. 

Spiritually, first and foremost, you must be in The Word of God and not just self-help or fantasy books or blogs. It's easier to read a quick "feel good" about positive thinking but The Word of God is alive and active, diving truth (Hebrews 4:12) which is crucial to your identity, purpose and practicalness. You have an enemy who fears you staying fixed on Jesus and falling deeper in love with Him. 

The enemy seeks to destroy and divide in many ways and defeating thoughts and depression are a few of them. Let God tell you who He is, who you are in Him, the purpose He has for you and how together with Him you will accomplish these things. The spirit intercedes on our behalf when our groans are too great and words escape us. If all you can utter is one thing, say Jesus. There is incredible power in His name alone. Speak it out loud and remind the enemy Who you are seeking and worshiping. 

Emotionally and practically in your day, turn on Christian music whether it be your local radio or online station or Spotify app. During these days, you need the words to proclaim your heart and mind cannot pour out apart from the help of those God has gifted as song writers and worship leaders to draw your heart and mind into active worship through song. Words shape our prayers. 

Watch what you are putting into your body, like sugars, alcohol, drugs, unhealthy foods and energy drinks. I have to be mindful of my diet when I am blah. For a period of time, I had to cut all sugars and focused on cleaner eating and that's not easy when you have loss of appetite and want a warm chocolate chip cookie (or two) or a frozen ice cream as comfort food. Confession between us: I am a Dr Pepper or Southern Sweet Tea Girl paired with some salty hot fries when I need a little comfort food. I don't drink alcohol so these are my Go Tos.

Once you get past the first day or two, it gets easier I promise. Choose wisely and practically. Make some protein shakes that give you a meal's serving and great base for snacks and grab some good salad makings. Don't cheat yourself from good bacon and croutons! If we're gonna be good, let's make it a delicious good! Choose to worship with your bodily choices. Your body is a temple, keep it pure for His breath to fan the flames.

Exercise and/or activity are equally necessary. Believe me, the couch, my blankets and my puppy are the perfect cuddle for comfort. Slipping back under the covers for sleep while may be a temporary escape, and if you genuinely need a nap, take one, but do not sleep your days and nights away. You lose muscle tone and endorphins deplete. 

Whatever (healthy) hobby you enjoy, do it. Grab your paint brush, camera, pet, walking shoes, weights, make up, book, hammer, computer and muster up the energy to determine to "just do it." You will feel so much better, then your next outing ought to be with a friend. Go for a walk, meet for lunch, go sit at the shore. Definitely don't go to the bar or mall, where you can create more problems in your moment of deplete. 

Allow your mind to relax and your heart to receive. 

Laughter truly is contagious and healing. Be honest with your friend and be vulnerable. Share your blah with her and allow her to minister to you through prayer, help and hugs. Since moving to Florida, simply taking in a little salty air for a lunch break or a sunset bless my soul like nothing else these days. I am not a star-gazing girl, but the Lord has brought me outside at night over the past year to gaze at the stars he calls out every single night. It's an amazing thing to be reminded of His consistency. At the end of a tough day, I'll go stand in the middle of my yard and just look up. More than Twinkle Twinkle wishes, it's worshiping the Star Himself.

I cannot tell you how many times over the years pride shut me down but God....He is gracious and merciful to stir in a friend's heart to reach out. Knowing I should say Yes, I do and it is exactly the thing my soul needs. There's a few Sister Friends that just see right through me and know when I need a prayer or a laugh and boy can they bring it in Jesus name. Divine appointments are one God sends to us, for us to receive and return to Him His glory and love. They may be obvious, but maybe it's just a thing He does unseen. This is where faith is. This is where hope anchors us.

There comes a warning in here too, to make sure you don't become self-absorbed and settle into the attention that comes from pity parties. Turn your blah into someone elses blessing. How can you make someone else smile and feel loved today? Who can you serve in Jesus name?

David penned Psalms representing every feel there is known to man from fear to ferocious love. As you read The Word, be sure to include the reading of The Psalms and find passages that express how you feel and know you're not alone in them. But also find Psalms that express your praise and adoration, and hope. I love Psalm 18 and it's my go to (one day I will memorize it) for worshiping in Truth and promise. 

There's so many other things you can research online and find like journaling tips, breathing techniques, foods for boosting mindfulness, and you can do that but my heart encouragement for you is to simply Be still and seek the heart whisper of Jesus. Settle yourself enough to feel yourself inhale Grace. Exhale the blah. With each breath, worship and exhale the words out loud. In the fire, He is with you. In deep waters where your feet no longer reach, He lifts you. He is faithful and near, you can trust Him.

There is power in the beautiful name of Jesus. Exchange your blah for blessings abundant and watch your Light explode for our God is a consuming fire and darkness cannot drown it out! Oh Lord, we praise You Most High as conquerors in Your name. We believe nothing can separate us from Your amazing love as declared in Romans 8. 

Lift our eyes and strengthen our limbs to lean into your hold. Be our shield against the sinful thoughts of this broken world and release the chains that bind us and weight us down that we may be free to move where You lead us. Return to us the joy of our salvation and breath reviving breath back into the lungs of our souls. We are asking, seeking and trusting You, we worship You, Jesus. Praise Your name, in the Name of Jesus, amen and amen.

The Lord Is My Rock and My Fortress

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who addressed the words of this song to the Lord on the day when the Lord rescued him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said:

I love you, O LORD, my strength. 
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 

 The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 

In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. 

Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry. Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him. 

He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind. 

He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him, thick clouds dark with water. Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds. 

The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire. And he sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them. Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. 

He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. 

He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. 

They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me. 

The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 

For all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me. I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt. 

So the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. 

With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless; with the purified you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous. For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness. 

For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. 

This God--his way is perfect;the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. 

For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?-- the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 

You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. 

You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed. 

I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. 

You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed. 

They cried for help, but there was none to save; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them.  I beat them fine as dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets. 

You delivered me from strife with the people; you made me the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me. As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me; foreigners came cringing to me. 

Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their fortresses. 

The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation--  the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, 

who delivered me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you rescued me from the man of violence. 

For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name. 

Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever. Psalm 18