According to surveys, somewhere between half and three-quarters of all people pray in times of personal crisis – be they believers or not. What does that tell you?

Personally, I’ve seen too many powerful answers to prayer to leave things until I hit a crisis – not to mention the peace and joy that come from praying.

But from time to time we all face crises that have us shaking in our boots, that break our hearts and send tears rolling down our cheeks. But

in the midst of all that, for me and for countless others who’ve put their trust in this Jesus who died and rose again for them, there’s an exquisite peace amidst the storm that comes from knowing that come what may … God is with us. Here it is, as King David prays:

Psalm 56:8-9 You know I am very upset. You know how much I have cried. Surely you have kept an account of all my tears. I know that when l call for help, my enemies will turn and run. I know that because God is with me!

Emotional turmoil, yet faith. Tears, yet confidence. Renowned nineteenth-century English preacher Charles Spurgeon knew deep suffering and depression, and yet clung fiercely to God’s nearness: “I have learned,” he said, “to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”

That’s raw. Honest. He doesn’t deny the wave — the pain, the tears — but he sees in that very suffering the hand of a faithful God drawing him nearer. No matter your turmoil, your tears, your pain … God is with you!

That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.