Sometimes when we are standing knee deep in septic overflow, when the stench of difficulties become unbearable and our vision is impaired by the mess in front of our eyes, it is easy to imagine that we are abandoned and uncared for. In our wretched state we mistakenly believe that God stands afar off, arms folded against His chest, a look of indifference plastered on His face. We could not be further from the truth. He has never been as near, pressed close beside us, mindful of our agony, bearing the burdens of our wounded heart. Because our pain is catastrophic in size, it often blocks our view of Him. Because we have never felt weaker, we foolishly suppose He too is limited by our overwhelming circumstances. But we are wrong.

Right there, when we least feel or sense His hand at work, when we are incapable of figuring out or making sense of our predicament, it is right there that He is at work. Every parent knows this to be true. The sicker the child, the closer the parent. The greater the need of the child, the more attentive the parent stands. The more desperate the cry, the quicker our feet run to bring aid. Does our Creator not call Himself our Heavenly Father? Do you suppose He will not cherish you, nurture you, care for you when you are most in need of His help.

Rest in the conflict, the Almighty is near. Abandon yourself into His care. He is fully present and fully in control. Join the Old Testament King Asa who prayed, "LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you." (2 Chronicles 14:11)