Sometimes in the midst of struggles, it feels like God has forgotten.

I know he hasn't, but often it seems like we are left in these difficult places for too long.  It becomes harder to even share struggles the longer we battle, because people already know the details.  The longer we're in it, the more lonely it becomes. And I don't know about you, but I long to rescued from it. Or to have hope it will get better...or even to know that I am not really alone.

Yesterday, he showed me a piece of Himself in the offerings of others...a song and hug and words of encouragement from a friend who recognized my deep grief and wasn't afraid to look at me...and a friend who called and offered to take Josiah so I could sleep in the afternoon because she remembers well how draining it is to be a mother of young kids. Both were gifts beyond words.

Later in the day, the first friend sent me this:

THE TWENTY-THIRD PSALMS

(from PSALMS NOW by Leslie F Brandt)

The Lord is my shepherd and constant companion,

There is no need that He cannot fulfill.

Whether His course for me points to the mountaintops

of glorious ecstasy

or the valleys of human suffering,

He is by my side,

He is ever present with me.

He is close beside me when I tread the dark streets of danger,

and even when I flirt with death itself,

He will not leave me.

When the pain is severe,

He is near to comfort.

When the burden is heavy,

He is there to lean upon.

When depression darkens my soul,

He touches me with eternal joy.

When I feel empty and alone,

He fills the aching vacuum with His power.

My security is in His promise

To be near me always,

and in the knowledge

that He will never let me go.