I will remember these past few months for the rest of my life. In March our beautiful niece died from head injuries sustained in a car accident. Easter weekend we buried my father-in-law who died of cancer, and last Saturday we had a funeral for my mother-in-law.

As an author, I find comfort in words–words from the Bible and words that the Holy Spirit places on my heart. Yesterday I flipped through the pages of a book I wrote almost fifteen years ago. The title is Meditation for Moms—Hope and Laughter for Mothers of All Ages. It’s a collection of poems and stories I wrote as I reflected on my years as a mother of young children. Books usually go out of print after a few years and this one was no exception. I haven’t looked at it for years so reading a few of the pages was almost like reading it for the first time.

One poem in particular resonated with me as I read the words that God gave me so many years ago. This is why I encourage women to journal. When you put your emotions into words on paper, you can look back and see how God spoke to you at a particular time in your life and be blessed all over again years later. Here is my poem:

Remember That God Is Near

When you’re smothered by problems and life seems unfair,
When it seems as if there is nobody there,
When you’re looking for someone to listen and care,
Remember that God is near.

When friends disappoint you and go their own way,
When you’d rather not face another bad day,
When you can’t even find the right words to pray,
Remember that God is near.

When you need some directions and feel like your lost,
When your life’s like a ship being tumbled and tossed,
When you wish there was someone to help you across,
Remember that God is near.

When you’re searching for hope and praying for peace,
When you’re longing for trials to finally cease,
When you fervently pray for your strength to increase,
Remember that God is near.

When you lean on your faith and stop asking why,
When your smile returns and your tears become dry,
When you see God’s rainbow up in the sky,
You will know that God is near.

When I wrote that poem fifteen years ago I did not know the words would encourage me today. But God knew. No matter what you may be facing today—remember that God is near!

Crystal