The Sun Shines Upon the Storm

I cannot know why suddenly the storm

should rage so fiercely round me in its wrath

But this I know-God watches all my path,

And I can trust

I may not draw aside the unseen veil

That hides the unknown future from my sight

Nor know if for me waits the dark or light;

But I can trust

I have no power to look across the tide,

To see while here the land beyond the river;

But this I know-I will be God's forever;

So I can trust.

-"Streams in the Desert" Devotional p. 196

The God Joel and I serve is amazing. He is truly wonderful. When one of us is down, grieving, broken- He lifts us up. He raises us. He reassures and whispers and comforts. I know I can trust a God who cares about me and the people I love. He did not abandon us during our time with Emily. No, instead He was there every second of it, strong and warm. He whispers to me, "Trust. Trust Me." And I cannot. And yet I can. I can choose to trust. Because His Spirit lives inside me, and He gives me the ability to trust- when I let go. When I let go of my hurt, not letting go of Emily, but letting go of my selfishness, any bitterness and self-pitying thoughts, He enables me to trust Him completely. And then, I am free. Free like Emily.

You Raise Me Up

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up: To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;

Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;

But when you come and I am filled with wonder, 

Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up: To more than I can be.