Dear Reader. The LORD knows that there is much that is set against you. David, at Psalm 64, begins prayerfully singing this way.

¹ Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation;
Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
² Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
³ Who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words,
⁴ That they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.

⁵ They encourage themselves in an evil matter;
They talk of laying snares secretly;
They say, “Who will see them?”
⁶ They devise iniquities:
“We have perfected a shrewd scheme.”
Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.

Although there is much set against you, dear Reader, as David has, be reminded of your God’s sure defense!

⁷ But God shall shoot at them with an arrow;
Suddenly they shall be wounded.
⁸ So He will make them stumble over their own tongue;
All who see them shall flee away.
⁹ All men shall fear,
And shall declare the work of God;
For they shall wisely consider His doing.

¹⁰ The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him.
And all the upright in heart shall glory.

Your days may seem long and full of trial. But Christ is coming with eternity in mind and shall cause your heart to glory. Wait upon the Lord! Let us pray.

Dear Lord and heavenly Father,

Blessed be Your holy name. Day by day, hour by hour even, my heart is consumed by darkness, the world is so full of temptation and trail, the devil seeks to consume me. But as my prayer and psalm begins this way, let me conclude as David has. Dear Lord, you are my defense. Your strength is my strength. I shall declare Your works. In Christ I have Your righteousness. You shall make me glad. In You, I shall trust. By the Holy Spirit, cause my heart to glory in You. In Jesus name, Amen.