Psalm 69:22-36

Psalm 69:22-36
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

  Verses 29 and 30 don't seem to go together, do they?  First, the Psalmist cries out that he is lonely and in pain.  Then he praises the name of God in a song, magnifying him with thanksgiving.  What, we might ask, does he have to be grateful for?
  This is where we step back, waaaay back, and remember the big promises of God.  God doesn't promise that life will be easy.  God doesn't promise that our enemies will stay quiet forever.  God doesn't promise that all will always feel warm and fuzzy.
  When we remember that God's promises are to abide with us always, even in the valley of the shadow of death, we can realize that God's strength and ultimate victory are not swayed by present circumstances.  God's plan will not be derailed by evil.  God will not be defeated by hardship.  No, God will win, and in him we, too, shall be triumphant.  We will have to endure some difficulties, but the end is not in doubt.

May you have confidence in God's total victory