“And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley.” (1 Chron. 14:13) How many of you feel that you are in a sort of valley at the moment–at least in some area of your life: kids, finances, some relationship, prayer, whatever? And then the Philistines make a raid on you as well? Two thoughts about the real reality (I know that’s redundant) of the situation:
Two verses later in 1 Chronicles: “God has gone out before you.” God has gone out before you. He is before you, not just with you. He knows the way in which you walk.
And secondly, so well known to us: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me.” Even in the valley of the shadow of death–where many of us have walked–I fear no evil, for He is with us.
You’re not alone in the valley.
Witnesses to Hope 
I sent the post yesterday to a friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer. We must be about Hope.
Today I just emailed letters to the governor of Illinois and my legislators in Springfield.
They “the Philistines” are proposing to cut 50% of the budgets to all social servives in the state of Illinois.
Sometimes it is hard to see God in the midst. I do know that He is before me and beside me. He is behind me and in me.
It is again all about Hope.
Kathleen
Amen, Kathleen. Witnesses to Hope.