October 16, 1999

down in the family room, laptop on my lap, sleepless

Duff a quiet, unknowing, companion

there when I  need him but not certain why

needing God I come alone to the couch

begging for your life

upstairs your children lie, unknowing

aware that something is wrong

fearing the worst, not expecting to receive it,

and tomorrow their heavens will fall

Lord God may You hold them

when they learn how bad it is with you

how can I sleep knowing you do not, your wife does not

and tomorrow I must teach with you in mind

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the LORD,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,

he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

I ask our God why you, why now

no answer comes, save that of my lesson

"Be still and know that I am God!"

And as He is God I pray for you

For my brother-in-law, Rick Campbell,

when he was diagnosed with cancer.