When the Painful Date Becomes a Testimony - Encouragement for Today - September 11, 2026
Encouragement for Today
Audio By Carbonatix
Crosswalk.com
September 11, 2026
When the Painful Date Becomes a Testimony
Lynn Cowell
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:13-14, NIV).
My heart skips a beat as I spot the date scribbled in the margin of my Bible: a time of betrayal from someone my family deeply trusted. Even now, my heart remembers the tearing, the pain, and the questioning of how our family got there. I had wondered if we would ever be put back together.
The painful date was written next to David’s words in Psalm 27:13-14: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
David began Psalm 27 with this bold statement: “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, NIV).
Some scholars say David wrote this psalm out of the anguish of running from Saul, who said he loved David yet was determined to hurt or even kill him. Other scholars believe David was fleeing his son Absalom, who was trying to seize his throne.
Like my family, David often faced frightening situations and people who did not have his best interests at heart. He quite possibly felt that everything and everyone were against him. Yet David chose to trust the Lord, not be afraid, and remain confident in God — looking at the Light, the one John describes as “shin[ing] in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5, NIV).
How did he do that when his world was falling apart? How does the Holy Spirit empower me to be certain that I’ll see the Lord’s goodness in my life? David wove within Psalm 27:4 three practices that led him, and can lead us, to have confidence in God:
- Dwelling. Consistently being in God’s presence makes us feel safe. “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life …” (Psalm 27:4, NIV).
- Gazing. Intentionally shifting our attention onto the majesty of our God reminds us of His goodness and power, no matter what is happening. “… to gaze on the beauty of the LORD …” (Psalm 27:4, NIV).
- Seeking. Finding a space where we can meet with God every single day creates a pattern for rest and peace to flow. “ … and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4, NIV).
By being with God, David experienced safety, shelter, and concealment even in adversity (Psalm 27:5). He chose to shout for joy, singing and making music to the Lord, no matter how he felt.
Daily seeking the One who is waiting to be found can help prepare us for the harshness of the world we face each day. God’s Word and His Spirit living within us empower us to walk with strength in whatever comes our way.
I finished my time with the Lord by confidently writing today's date next to the old one — a reminder of His faithfulness. And though my family is still in the process of healing our hearts and minds and trusting God again, I see His goodness. I know He’s working. I continue to wait, be strong, and let my heart find courage in Him.
Lord, finding confidence in You is simple, although not easy. It flows into our hearts and minds as we spend time in Your presence, soaking in Your love. Please help me, like David, to be intentional in dwelling with You, seeking You, and gazing upon You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Have you ever been disappointed because God didn't do what you hoped He would? In our recent episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, Lysa TerKeurst takes a fresh look at the story of Judas and explores what can happen when our expectations of God don't match reality. It's an honest conversation about disappointment, trust, and the temptation to take control when life feels uncertain. If you've been carrying unanswered questions or trying to hold everything together on your own, this episode will remind you that real peace isn't found in controlling the outcome — it's found in trusting the One who already knows it. Listen now, and get ready to see God's Word in a brand-new light.
ENGAGE
When anxiety tries to take over our mind, guided prayers can help us focus — dwell, gaze, and seek — on the Lord. Lynn Cowell and Michelle Nietert have created 20 free audio prayers, focusing on Father God’s peace, provision, protection, presence, and healing. Download the audio prayers here.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
1 John 4:4, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (NIV).
Choose one of the following passages: Psalm 10:14, Psalm 18:16-17, or Psalm 27:5. Replace the appropriate pronouns with your name, and write the verse(s) in the notes app on your phone or write it on a piece of paper you can look at throughout the day.
Also consider 1 John 4:4. How can this verse strengthen you for the struggle you are currently facing? Share in the comments.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
