As the enemy gets closer to what he thinks will be his “big moment”, I read more and more of remnant believers self reporting the oppression and attacks they are experiencing, describing them as relentless. Precise, carefully targeting any and every tender spot and vulnerability.

We all have tried to “be prepared” for the perilous times Jesus said would come as the age of grace winds down. At the same time most of us have already seen more than we thiught would come about before we depart.  Just like any “test”, it’s our nature to wonder at the moment if truth, if we’ve sufficiently prepared.

I’m thankful God knows us, and like a good parent, “makes up the difference”. The question is not, “have I prepared”. It’s am I walking in the spirit, in faith, in the understanding of my position in Christ, and in obedience doing the things I know from scripture we as Christ-followers are supposed to do. With SOOO much happening, so much so very rapidly changing, it is hard. But grace still applies.

The enemy counts on our distractibility as well as that second-guessing, and the wasted time in self-flagellation. He loves doubt and will exploit it. Via David, the Lord provided a good antidote for those moments.

Psalm 86

Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.

15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering*, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.