We are promised that we rest in hope, that the joy of the Lord is our steadfast comfort in the midst of the darkest days. We are assured that even if this life were to end today, we have a hope that extends beyond this life and its inevitable end... this gives us comfort, this gives us stability, this gives us peace to face whatever trials and whatever sorrows we face. No matter what, we KNOW that this trial won't last, and our hope in Christ surely will! We are guaranteed that the grave is not our end, and death has no power over us... but more than that, we have also the sure and present comfort of God's presence NOW to aid us in all our distress. We have the certainty of His Spirit who dwells within us and communicates that we are His!! That we are loved!! That we are safe!! That this life has nothing with which to threaten us, and that no matter how dark this moment might be, His light shines in the weariness of our souls, and the hollowness of our days... no matter the pain, His comfort is real, no matter the disappointment, His promise never fails, no matter the threat, we are safe in the arms of the beloved!! His pleasures are abundance itself; His delights, the very definition of plenty; His joy, the absolute meaning of exuberance... dear little one, turn your eye away from the dark horizon of fear and uncertainty, release your grip on the vague unease of what if, and choose instead to gaze with steadfast eyes upon the plenty that our God holds. And find in Him, hope for your doubts, and comfort for your fears!!