Prayer for Joy

Keep me safe, O God,
I've run for dear life to You. . .
All the good things I have are from You
(Without You, nothing makes sense).
And all these God-chosen lives all around -
what splendid friends they make!
LORD, You have assigned me my portion and my cup;
You have made my lot secure!
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; . . .
I will bless the LORD who counsels me; He gives me wisdom in the night.
([this is] confirmed by my sleeping heart).
I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is filled with joy,
(Heart, body and soul are filled with joy)
and my mouth shouts His praises!
My body rests in safety. . .
You have let me experience the joy of Your presence
and the exquisite pleasures of living with You forever.
Psalm 16 (MSG, NLT, NIV, NAS, TLB)

Faithful Father ~
I run to You! You are my safe place; my port in the storm, my anchor in the waves. You are my security, my confidence in the conflict, my healing rain in the fire. You are my shield; my retreat in the battle, my armor in the fight.

All the good things I have are from You. Your blessings, exceeding all needs, are like water flowing from every stream, rushing to the rivers, filling up the oceans. I am overcome with joy and write new God-songs every day.

When circumstance claims victory, when difficulty seems unending, when happiness gets lost, Hope can always find You. When I call to You, when I listen for You, when I am in Your presence, Joy reaches to every corner of my soul.

Faithful Father, You are Shelter. You are Goodness. You are Hope. You are Joy. When I am in Your presence, these are the extravagant gifts You give to me. Without You, nothing makes sense. Hear my prayer. Amen. ~dho