...all the people

      were bitter in soul,

each for his sons and daughters.

But David strengthened himself

       in the LORD his God.

                  1 Samuel 30.6

(Everyone struggles with something.

Which do we choose?

       Bitterness or

            turning toward God?

That changes everything

    in how we respond,

    to what we see before us,

        how we see God,

        how we see others,

        how we see ourselves.

Bitterness consumes.

                  Always has.

Trusting God

      acknowledges the difficulty

      and draws on God's strength.)

O LORD,

You are our strength.

What does it take

     for us to realize that?

How much does it take

    for us to turn to You?

Help us to

   strengthen ourselves in You.

Infuse Your strength in us

      that we may know Your more.

Help us to be aware of You

  and pray to You,

our first response,

           not as a last resort.

Bring Your glory

            into this,

even into what I can't

       yet see.

Bitterness says

      this is the end of my story

      and the end of my world.

Trusting You

    opens up the universe

    and stakes my life

            that You are in this

            and You are with me,

no matter how impossible.