The preciousness of the love of God

We all have spiritual battlegrounds: those places where we struggle to keep the right attitude or an eternal perspective. It's been one of those days, hanging out in my spiritual battleground, trying to keep weary feet moving, and keep my eyes where they belong. Some days here are more successful than others, but I have to say, no days are fun here.

One of the weapons most effective against my enemy, of course, is God's word. I've been reading through some of the psalms, and been struck anew by how practical they are for these sorts of days. Yesterday, I read these encouraging words:

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O LORD.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.

Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
~Psalm 36:5-10

And I am endeavoring to live there today. I remind myself when I am tempted to despair over loss or grief or weariness, that what is true is the steadfastness of God's love, no matter how I feel about it at any moment. If I followed my feelings, I would be in the pit in a moment. No, I have to use my mind and my will to inform my feelings. I don't need to ignore my feelings: I just need to battle them back into their proper place.

Are you battling today, Gentle Reader? Where do you turn for weapons to fight and for comfort after the fray?