Hard to admit, but I have not had an easy 2021 thus far.

Because the peacekeeper part of me sometimes pushes aside real things that are occurring to help make room for the good and lovely, I have needed to be real with myself. So, during one of my recent quiet times, I wrote a list of all the things happening around me, to me, and in me.

I am okay, and I am not.

I am okay because, through it all, I have a true sense of God’s presence and peace. I am not okay because real things are happening that are hard, confusing, and new.

In these times, where can I turn? Scripture.

I looked up different versions of the beautiful, beloved verse from Psalm 23. As the well-known words repeated in my mind, I found the Passion Translation to bring a fresh and intimate glimpse at the Lord’s faithfulness.

Lord, even when your path takes me through
the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.

// Psalm 23:4 TPT

In these hard to understand times, He is with me.

All the way.