I was on my way to the Russian Far East to teach for 2 weeks at St. James Bible College in Magadan. After an overnight stay in Seattle, I boarded the plane with some apprehension. Would my visa be okay? Would I have trouble getting my equipment through customs? Would I be able to teach my course on Bible interpretation effectively? How would the students, translator, and administrators respond to me?

Then breakfast was served on my Alaska Airlines flight. As I bowed my head to give thanks, I spotted a brightly colored piece of paper on the tray. It was a beautiful Alaska mountain scene overprinted with this verse: "I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High" (Ps. 9:2).

What an encouragement! Not only did I thank the Lord for the food, but I also added expressions of praise and rejoicing as I renewed my trust in Him for the task before me.

I looked around and noticed that every tray had a similar Scripture verse. I saw some people reading it and others putting it in their pockets. I thanked God for the timely, much-needed uplift I had received from His Word.

Whatever your circumstances today, let Psalm 9:2 encourage you to praise the name of the Lord.  — David C. Egner