"I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place."

People I care about have had a hard time at the start of the year. Maybe you or someone you care about has been in this situation. My prayer for you and for them is that they will feel God's comfort. Whether it's the popular little poem "Footprints" or the well-known "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me," the presence of the Lord is absolutely necessary for us to deal with our pain. The Lord really wants to be with us, especially when we feel the most alone. He showed us this by going through pain all by Himself on the cross.

The beginning of the year has been a tough period for those I care about. Maybe it's been that way for you or people you love. My hope for you, and for them, is that they may feel the consolation of God's presence. Whether it's the famous short poem "Footprints" or the traditional "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me," the presence of the Lord is extremely crucial to standing up against our agony! The Lord does wish to be with us, particularly at those times when we feel most alone. He informed us of that by enduring sorrow alone, by Himself on the cross.