At the peak of life’s achievements
God keeps us standing tall
On stools of loving kindness
But at valleys where shadows fall
He doesn’t watch or help from a distance
His strength surges through our weaknesses
The Rock to anchor unfaltering faith
God comes alive in our helplessness
Holding us still in the embrace of grace
Though storms rage and oceans roar
We feel no fear, we lose no tear
At peace in His arms, His breath in our face
God is closest at the toughest junctions of life.

Welcome to another year of enjoying God’s superabundant grace! Last year was very rough for a lot of us but God saw us through. I came face to face with life and with death, and I learned to be grateful for whatever God permits, knowing that despite the seeming “hard knocks” of life, God massages the sore spots with the balm of Gilead. He heals those wounds and helps us get back on our feet to start all over again.

He does not let us out by ourselves. He does not leave us to figure out how we are going to make it work this time. He takes us by the hand, very present and ever close, and leads one step at a time, up the way that we should be. Ever faithful, ever true, never failing, always near, God – the Friend that sticks closer than a brother!

What people can’t see, what nobody knows how to sort, God comes through and true, and leads us through the valleys of shadows of death, into a higher life. I count it a privilege to be numbered among the living. I hope you also can look back and say, “Thank You Lord for Your constant love and faithfulness!”

I don’t know how this year started out for you but Abba’s promise is that to everyone who draws close, more grace will be released to ease the journey ahead. Look out with hope, God is so close you can feel His breath in your face if you pause enough to feel it. More grace!

Glory!