But He said to them,

"It is I;

   do not be afraid."

          John 6. 20

(Even in mystery,

even in the shadows,

even when

      we don't understand,

may we recognize that

     Jesus is in this.

Know that He is with us

   and already at work.

Fear only distracts

   and disables us

   from what is before us.

When our youngest once

woke in fear in the night,

when she saw me, she said,

"Oh, if I knew you were here,

 I would not have been afraid."

Jesus says to us,

    "Right here with you.

     I've got this.

     I'm in this.")

O LORD,

Help us not just

to walk with You,

but to abide in You.

We may not know

what this situation is

            all about,

but You can guide us

   in it and through it

          for Your glory.

Help us to keep our eyes

and our hearts

           on You alone.

Help us to see,

approach

and navigate these

turbulent waters

               differently

because not just

       You are here,

but You are God.

Please order our days,

guide our steps,

direct our thoughts,

align our hearts today

            with Yours.