The hand of our God

              was on us,

and He delivered us

   from the hand of the enemy

and from ambushes

             by the way.

             Ezra 8. 31

(God's hand is on us

when we are faithful

       in following Him

 --in both what we can see

   and in what is invisible to us.

God delivers us from our foes

     -- whatever we fear--

      both real and imagined.

When we do what is good and right,

we can expect some kind

    of backlash or opposition.

God takes care of that too.)

O LORD,

Help us to go forth with Your courage

    into the familiar

              or the scary wilderness,

knowing that You go before us

     and You are with us

                     all the way.

You set our feet in a broad place,

     no matter the circumstances,

to bring Your name there

               and if anything,

    be a witness to others

         and assurance to us,

    that You are God.