I’ve lost count of how many days now it’s been cold and dreary and rainy. We had enjoyed those “unseasonably warm” days a few weeks ago, with kids playing outside all day, getting filthy dirty from playing in their dirt pit out back. We had windows open day and night, kids were sleeping in shorts, and the tulips were getting ready to bloom.

Then the “unseasonably cold” weather came. And it hasn’t left yet. Every day I check the forecast, wondering if there is any relief in sight. But rather than getting better, it seems to be getting worse. Yesterday we heard news of heavy snow falling just north of us in Chicago. We didn’t get snow… just more rain and more gray clouds. But then this morning, about the time I was feeling very smug that we had avoided snow, I see there is a dusting of snow on the top of the van. Will it never end?

And for some reason, during this gray time, folks around me are going through harder times than usual…

My mother-in-law is so faithful in caring for her aging mother, but it’s not going well. Grandma fell again last night and we are all waiting to hear the latest update on her situation.

A dear friend is working hard to be faithful during this time that her husband is out of work, but their days are stressful beyond description.

So what can we do? Will this gray time never end? Will the sun ever shine again or the tulips get to finish blooming?

This morning my friend shared a psalm with me that just fits the bill, so I’m going to share it here. Read, and be encouraged.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

–Psalm 121