"It is good...to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night." - Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV

I know what it's like to go through dark times, and to be so fearful that it's hard to pray. But I've also learned how eager and able our God is to comfort and strengthen us during our difficult times. I've discovered that one of the ways we can tap into His supernatural power and peace is to meditate on His character. And this is something that greatly pleases the Lord, because He told the prophet Jeremiah: "Let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:24 AMP) Meditating on Scriptures that speak of God's character can give us deeper insights into His divine nature that will enable us to know Him more intimately, and to trust Him more fully, even in desperate times.

I remember seeing a war movie years ago that depicted a soldier running through a field in the heat of battle declaring, "God is love! God is love! God is love!" (1 John 4:16) This man was recalling the truth about God's character, as recorded in 1 John 4:16 (NLT), which says: "We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love." Under intense pressure, and surrounded by danger, instead of feeling sorry for himself, or giving in to his fears, this soldier chooses to trust in God's love for him. And he is one of the few who emerges unscathed from the battle. We can learn a lesson from this man's example. When we are in a tense situation, we can listen to our own inner voices of doubt and disbelief--and those of Satan and his dark forces--or we can silence them by declaring, "God is love, and God loves me!" Engaging in this kind of spiritual warfare will enable us to gain the victory that the Lord has in store for us.

When my husband, Joe, had a heart attack last year, meditating on God's goodness gave me great comfort. As I sat in a hospital waiting room, awaiting some news of my husband's condition, I reminded myself of the verse which says: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7 NIV) Over and over I said to myself, "The Lord is good." My situation certainly wasn't good, but I wasn't focusing on my situation--I was focusing on my God. I could have easily fixed my mind and heart on the disturbing sights and sounds that surrounded me. Instead, I chose to go deeper, and to remind myself of the truth--that God is a good God. And because He's a good God, He has promised to work all things together for my good. (Romans 8:28) Whenever my circumstances tempt me to despair, I declare, "God is good, and He'll work this out for my good!" I may not believe it the first few times I say it, but if I keep it up, my faith eventually hooks up with my words, and they become planted in my heart. That's when true peace comes.

Out of all of God's divine attributes, I'd have to say that I meditate most on His faithfulness. This is probably because I've memorized and claimed hundreds of God's promises over the years, and I really count on Him to be true to His Word. I often confess Hebrews 10:23 (AMP), which says: "He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word." Lately, I've been feeling like the Lord wants me to get more serious about claiming His promises for my financial situation. So I often say out loud, "The Lord has declared that He will grant me abundant prosperity--and He who promised is faithful!" (Deuteronomy 28:11 NIV) Doing this shifts my focus from my pressing needs to my all-sufficient Provider. Suddenly, I'm filled with a fresh sense of hope, and I'm able to keep my expectations high, which is essential to receiving God's best.

Scripture says: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night." (Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV) Let us follow the psalmist's example--and begin declaring God's flawless and glorious attributes day and night!

Prayer: Lord, I long to know You better, so I ask You to teach me how to meditate on Your divine character. Fill me with a love for Your Word, and help me to absorb and apply its life-changing truths. Thank You for the revelation from heaven that will draw me ever closer to You!