...for not by their own sword

         did they win the land,

nor did their arm give them victory,

but Your right hand,

                  and Your arm,

      and the light of Your countenance,

for You delighted in them.

                           Psalm 44.3

(Victory and strength are from the LORD.

    His presence makes the difference

       not just in the outcome,

        but in the journey.)

And Jesus said to him, "If you can!
      All things are possible
         to him who believes."

                              Mark 9. 23

(We have no idea the extent of His power,
    no conception the depth of His purposes,
no grasp the enormity of His love.)

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
     for I shall again praise Him,
my help
          and my God.

                          Psalm 42.5

(Keep my eyes focused on You,
        not on circumstances.
You are my help
         and You are God.)

And His disciples answered Him,

        "How can one feed these men

          with bread here in the desert?"

And He asked them,

         "How many loaves have you?"

                            Mark 8. 4-5

(With what can I bring Him glory today?)

As for me, I am poor and needy,

but the LORD takes thought for me.

                             Psalm 40.17

(God is working still

     -- even when we don't understand.

My needs keep me focused on Him.)

But immediately he spoke to them and said,

      "Take heart,

                      it is I;

            have no fear."

                                 Mark 6. 50

(God fulfills His purposes

        even in what we don't expect,

   even in mystery,

   beyond our comprehension.)

...for today the LORD

            will appear to you.

                 Leviticus 9. 4

(Don't miss or dismiss

              what God is doing)