In my distress

    I called to the LORD

and He answered me.

                 Psalm 120. 1

(Not complaining,

nor grumbling,

nor worrying,

but calling to the LORD

   is the hinge of change

   and the turning point,

a heart willing to turn to God,

          ask for help

          and accept it.

This is the first verse

    of the Psalms of ascent,

the songs that were sung

     on the hard upward climbs.

What am I singing?

God knows there are

   many impossible hills

   in each of our lives.

And He is with us on every one,

       every step of the way.

It is not that the view from the top

          is glorious and triumphant,

but realizing His Presence with us,

His strength and vision

              when we have none.)

O LORD,

The path is steep.

We are out of water

     and out of strength

     and sometimes feel

           out of our minds.

Help us to walk with You.

Bless our conversation

        and abiding with You.

It is not that You are teaching us.

   You want to be with us.

Every step of faithfulness

          leads to another.

And in each step,

     we come to know You

                         more.

You are with us.

           Even in this.