I look around me, at home, in my town, state, country, and world, and it would be easy to ask, “Where are you, God?” Look at all the pain, violence, anger, disllusionment, hatred. Sometimes I feel as though I have been living in a cocoon, sheltered, until I venture out with the butterfly message of the Gospel. What am I afraid of. You are the center of my life, God. If pain and sorrow are a part of life, that doesn’t mean that you are not there. You are holding my hand, carrying me when necessary, and walking before me each step of my life. I praise your Holy Name.

Father, I cling to Your promise to love me:
and I am convinced
that nothing can ever separate me
from Your love—
Not death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
not my fears for today
nor my worries about tomorrow—
Even the powers of hell
cannot separate me from God’s love.
that is revealed in Christ Jesus,
my Lord. [Rom. 8:38–39]

When troubles come my way,
give me your perspective—
the power of brilliant thinking—
to consider trials as opportunities
for greater joy.
For I know that when my faith is tested,
my endurance has a chance to grow. [James 1:1–2]
For You, Lord, discipline those You love
and Your discipline is good for me,
SO THAT I might share in Your holiness. [Hebrews 12:6–10]