Below is a short and simple, yet powerful, prayer that I came across in Isaiah 33. Perhaps it will be meaningful to you, as it was to me.

But Lord, be merciful to us,
for we have waited for you.
Be our strong arm each day
and our salvation in times of trouble.
(Isaiah 33:2 – New Living Translation)

Just so I could better understand the meaning of these words (even though this is already a pretty straight-forward verse), I looked at the original text for additional clarity and insight. Here’s what I found:

1. The word that is translated as "be merciful" can also be translated as be gracious, or show favor, or have pity.
2. "Be our strong arm" is not a phrase we say or hear too much today — and some translations just say "Be our arm" — but it essentially means, Be our strength.

Here’s what struck me the most about this verse: We can ask God to be our salvation in times of trouble right now — not just for eternity! God sent His Son, Jesus, to make a way for our eternal salvation, and it seems that this is the salvation we talk and hear the most about. But God also cares about our lives here and now and desires to save us from our current troubles if we call on Him.

May God be your salvation in your times of trouble.