When Sorrows Like Sea Billows Roll

"I'm sorry for all the bad news," I wrote to my sister-in-law. "But this I know -- the Good News still reigns supreme!"

In the midst of trouble on every side, I must look up. When sadness engulfs, He is there. Look up, soul. To the hills. From whence comes your help. Always and forever.

There are seasons of extreme trial, seasons when we fear we may break. Without Him we very well may. But with Him, through Him, held by Him, we endure. The day of victory is at hand.

It is not wrong to feel the pain.

Today I am overwrought with agony of soul for the grievous sorrow of others. So much pain, on every hand, in so many lives and in so many places -- and I cannot take it away. Although my heart is aching and full of grief, it does not diminish their own suffering. They bear it alone, save His amazing grace. Oh, let them find His grace! I long to ease the pain, to remove them from their situations, to take the anguish upon myself that they might be free from it. But I am not able to do so.

So I pray. He can and will take the pain, the sorrow, the ache, the loneliness. He will give them the oil of joy for mourning. I pray that they might allow Him to do so.

Oh, my God, rich in mercy, I ask you to move. Shower with your grace. May your Good News reign in every place. Amen.