Reassurance

For years I followed a reading plan that took me though the entire Bible each year.  Over time, though, I focused on the Gospels and my favorite books of the Old Testament, like Psalms.  Today this passage from Psalms caught my eye, and I was struck by the loving reassurance it offers:

The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in him; 

 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

 I was young and now I am old,
    yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
    or their children begging bread.

Psalm 37:23-25

So many of us are facing difficult days.  Here in Niagara, the High Season has ended and the season of slow business and decreased income has begun.  It's scary, when even the High Seasons have been slow these past years. 

There are so many scary things in our world: violence, sickness, loss of loved ones, broken relationships.   Yet the Psalmist offers us great consolation: though we may face hard days, God will uphold us.  I love the last verse, especially.  How often have we said such things to encourage others who are fearful?  In the same way, the Psalmist understands our struggles and worry and encourages us.  

These words have been the strength of generations.  I hope they comfort you as they do me.