Yesterday, I related how several years ago now, I invited folks to take a few moments to reflect on a moment when God had carried them through the wilderness of life. I asked if they were willing to write their stories down in brief form and to share them with me and others. Here are just a few I received:

Dear God, you carried me through a challenging time in my life dealing with cancer…

Dear God, you carried me through the years of being an immigrant with an uncertain future and sometimes being on the brink of not having enough money…

Dear God, it wasn’t until I laid on the floor and gave my whole self to you. When I stood up and thanked you, I was a new person. Alcohol no longer was ruining my life. That was 25 years ago…

Dear God, you carried me through the death of my mother at too early an age. You watched over me when I lost sight of you. Thank you for always being in my life, even when I wasn’t listening to you…

Dear God, you were with me even through losing a job. You rescued me from constant worry and blessed me when I was connected with this church.

Dear God, I went through a devastating divorce after 28 years of marriage. The Holy Spirit came to be my constant companion.

Dear God… you have carried me through sickness and pain many times. You carried me through the loss of a grown child and gave me hope…

I could go on and on. You could, too. This is quite possibly why all throughout the psalms — even while crying out in need — the psalmist looks back over his life, remembers, and gives praise.

Today, as you look back over the span of your life, may you remember how God has met you, how God has carried you, and how God has saved you. If you didn’t do so yesterday, take a few moments today to reflect and write down your story. As you remember, may hope arise within you. And may you give thanks and praise.

Let us pray: God of ages past, God of tomorrow, God of this very moment, into your hands we commend our lives. We thank you for meeting us in the darkest moments of life. Meet us again here and now. May your presence, strength, and grace fill us and sustain us. In Christ’s name. Amen.

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