I have to confess that I earnestly prayed for some very specific needs and desires in 2022 that have remained unanswered and unfulfilled until this day in 2023. If you are in the same boat today, then I would like to share with you the words of encouragement that the Lord imparted to me when I was feeling disappointed and discouraged, and I sought His perspective in the matter.

He led me to the shepherd-king, David's, words in Psalm 27:13 (NIV): "I am STILL CONFIDENT of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." The Holy Spirit impressed upon me the importance of still being confident in receiving the answers to my prayers, even though they may be delayed for a time. He reminded me of some words of encouragement that I received from a godly man many years ago that said that "delays are not necessarily denials." And if I would keep my expectations high, and keep my confidence in the Lord and His faithfulness, I would not have to forfeit any of the blessings He has in store for me in 2023 and beyond.

David's next words in this psalm urge us to stay in faith. "Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord." (Psalm 24:14 AMP) The author of Hebrews says it this way: "So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the GREAT REWARD it brings you!" (Hebrews 10:35 NLT) The devil knows that if you absolutely refuse to "throw away" your confidence in the Lord and His promises, then there is nothing he can do to stop the blessings and breakthroughs that are on their way to you right now. So, let me ask you today - are you STILL confident?

Prayer: Lord, whenever I am faced with disappointment or discouragement, comfort and strengthen me as only You can. Fill me with a fresh sense of hope, and show me which promises of Yours You want me to pray and stand on in faith. Thank You that as I refuse to cast away my confidence in You and Your faithfulness, my blessings and breakthroughs will show up at the best possible time for me!