our refuge in times of trouble

Her sobbing and sniffling enter my ear and go straight to my heart,

I ache as she aches, even though we are miles apart.

My tongue waits patiently for occasional slivers of silence,

and whispers of comfort and sympathy make their way to her ear and her heart.

Problems of every size, shape and color are ganging up on her very soul,

trapped by dark thoughts and a life void of joy or meaning.

Her tears become my tears as our sorrow becomes one,

and a symphony of sobs and sniffles flood the phone line.

Eventually her “Why?” changes to “What?” as analysis begins,

potential solutions surface and are bandied about.

She lets out a laugh and I do as well, as light finally pierces the darkness,

her sobs and sniffles now gone for good.

One laugh leads to many as the Lord begins to heal her many wounds,

supernatural salve oozes out of heaven, bringing hope and optimism.

Words of praise and God’s will be done rise to His ears and hers,

the crisis now over she ends my prayer with a “Thank you, Jesus."

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;

for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

O my Strength, I sing praise to you;

you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.”1

1  Psalm 59:16-17