Dear Praying Friends,
I’m writing this on February 20,2026 and it’s been almost a month since I last wrote a post on the blog. But I have been journaling and praying and trying hard to listen to what God would say to me.
A few weeks ago, I was in the prayer room in Laramie with several friends and we were intensely praying. The Lord seemed to highlight Psalm 51:12 to us that day and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since that day. The verse in the NIV reads like this:
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
As I have studied this verse over the last few weeks, the commentaries mention that this is David asking God to restore the joy of a right relationship with Him after he had sinned. But as I have been meditating on this verse, I feel that we can be walking in right standing with God but still feel that our joy is under attack. Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble and I can see how trouble can try to rob us of our joy. And so I think that we can pray this verse every day asking the Lord to keep us strong in His joy. I will probably share more insights in a later post. Until then, let’s pray for one another in these challenging times.
Let’s keep praying for Nation and Neighbor. Show Us Your Glory, Lord. Let us be Your “candles” in this dark world. Light our “wicks” in 2026!
Blessings, Gina
A few verses about renewal: Psalm 51:12, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:2
Prayer “Pointer” to Think/Journal/Apply:
We may not have all the answers, but we have the Answer—Jesus. Every trial is refining us, every waiting season is shaping us, and every heartbreak is being woven into a greater story of redemption.
-Our Daily Verse (think about this and let it inspire your prayers and journaling)
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, in this world that tries to rob us of our joy, we ask You to restore the joy of Your salvation in each weary heart. Help our brothers and sisters all over the earth who are battling discouragement. Our joy isn’t in our circumstances our joy is in You, Jesus. (add your own prayers) Show Us Your Glory, Lord. Let us be Your “candles” in this dark world. Light our “wicks” in 2026!
As You Have Time: Restore, Renew, Rejoice! | Psalm 51:12 | Our Daily Bread Video Devotional (and I say YES and AMEN to this!)
A Worship Song: When I feel sad, this song brings me joy. Your Way’s Better
Rhythms of Grace 