Privations (that is, the state of lacking something; a poverty; any hardship) are the food of strong minds. They invigorate the soul, take it out of itself, and offer it as a living sacrifice to God.
I now exhort you brothers, by virtue of the mercy of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, pleasing to God – which is your reasonable worship of God (Romans 12:1).
Bare all annoyances of your present condition, which is full of inconveniences and discomfort, in a penitential spirit. These are the penances God assigns you, and they are far more useful than those you may chose for yourself. By straining after far-fetched mortifications, you could lose those which God is preparing for you Himself, and you could harm yourself under the pretext of advancing.
O my Lord, Your Word says You are (1) good, (2) a refuge in times of trouble, and (3) You care for those who trust in You (Nahum 1:7). Please swell my soul with such belief, and help me trust emphatically in Your deliverance [even in the small things], O God my Savior (Psalm 78:18-22).
Do not be far from me, O Lord my Champion, for trouble is near and there is no one to help… I feel like roaring lions are waiting to tear their prey open — their mouths wide open against me! (Psalm 22:11, 13). I sometimes feel others conspire against me and the enemy plots to take my life. But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands (Psalm 31:13-16).
Why so much despair, and outcry for so simple a matter that God is bringing about and preparing so lovingly? Happy are those who learn to see God’s hand bruising them in mercy.
How great is Your goodness, O Lord, which You have stored up for those who fear You; which You bestow in the sight of all men on those who take refuge in You. In the shelter of Your presence You hide us from the intrigues of men; in Your dwelling You keep us safe from accusing tongues (Psalm 31: 19-20).
To You, O my Lord, I lift up my soul; in You, O my God, I trust (Psalm 25:1). Guard my life and rescue me, O Lord my God. Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because all my hope is in You alone (Psalm 25:20-21).
The Lord has come to rescue me from the hand of my enemy, and to enable me to serve my Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all my days (Luke 1:74-75). Help me and teach me, Lord Jesus, to take Your yolk upon me and to learn from You; for You are gentle and humble in heart, and I will find rest for my soul in You (Matthew 11:29).
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:1-6).
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