This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you stumble into the doctor’s surgery, asking for another prescription.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you enter the principal’s office once more to talk about the trouble your son is in.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you wake to your crying baby for what feels like the 20th time that night.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as your head falls against the pillow, reeling from another argument with your spouse.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you return from another date, wondering where all the good men are.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you hang up the phone to your mother, who just won’t say the words you desperately want to hear.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you return from yet another specialist appointment – with more question marks than ever.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you fall short on your rental payments once more, child support taking everything.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you drown your sorrows in wine and pretend it’s taking the edge off.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.

I hear you whisper the words as you fall on your knees before God, asking for answers, holding out hope for something better…

For some of us, it can feel like we’re part of a cycle that never ends. In some areas of our life, the breakthroughs and changes just aren’t happening.

We’re up against it, and there seems no way out.

But God promises to walk with us, even through the darkest of valleys.

As we trust him, and surrender our lives to him, he shows us more of himself and provides answers to even the toughest questions.

No, this isn’t the first time you’ve been in that surgery, or that argument, or dealing with that disappointment.

But God knows, and God sees. It’s not news to him.

He is already on the other side of your current problem – he’s gone in front of you and will show you the next step – and the next step – to take.

He doesn’t promise to take your pain away, but he does offer his love and presence in the midst of the hurt.

And this isn’t the first time he’s been there for you, carrying you, upholding you, guiding you through.

Trust in him again.

“But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1