I would have lost heart

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!”

~Psalm 27:13-14

It’s been a long year.
It’s been a tough year.

I’ve been tempted to give up a hundred times (a day).
I’ve been tempted to lose hope.

And I would have–
except for one thing.

I believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Years ago, a girl in our church wrote a song based loosely on Psalm 27. I sing my best memory of it now and am reminded that I have hope, even in the moments when I find myself melancholy and almost ready to despair.

Here’s my best memory (which is, I’m sure, quite imperfect):

I am needing, You are giving
I am weary, You offer rest
Though all of me is not much to offer
You give me Your best

You’re the one my heart is needing
Lord, my hunger You satisfy
Hear my cry of desperate pleading
In You I long to abide

And I will see the goodness of the Lord
I will see the goodness of the Lord my God
In the land of the living

~Beth Calcara (now Swihart)