But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence
forever. (Psalm 41:12 NRSV)
Rabbi Harold Kushner writes, "I have seen weak people become strong, timid people become
brave, selfish people become generous. I have seen people care for their elderly parents, for brain
damaged children, for spouses in wheelchairs, for years, even decades, and I have asked myself,
where do people get the strength to keep doing that for so long? Where do they get the resources
of love and loyalty to keep going? The only answer I come up with is when we are weary and out
of strength, we turn to God and God renews our strength, so we can run and not grow weary, so
that we can walk and not feel faint."
In times of suffering, in times when our world seems to be crumbling, in times of our greatest
need, we will receive strength from God. All we have to do is ask for it. God's strength is
available for us. Not just at some time in the future, because we are not alone in this world. God is
with us!
Prayer: Loving God, there are times when I get really down and wonder where are you
when I need you the most. Remind me in those times that you are right by my side. Amen.
Written by: Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA
Sunday, January 18, 1998