Hurting

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they protect me. ~ Psalm 23:4 (CEB)

We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (ERV)

Dear God, sometimes life is very difficult. I am not going to pretend otherwise. And the more we try to explain the pain in life, the more painful it becomes. But you know all about it. You have experienced the fullness of a human life. Through Jesus you experienced the pain of being born, misunderstood, opposed, betrayed, beaten, and put to death. You know all about it. And yet, you still stay close to us through our own difficulties. You experience our pain with us. You also promise to protect us through the dark times. You are the greatest human experience expert.  So, I am not afraid. The opposite is true. I am very confident that I can continue on because I know that you are protecting me. Even though I am hurt, I am not destroyed. Thank you for again being close to me today. Amen.