January 25 Petition Mission

“My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?’…Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” (Ps 42:3, 5).

Mother was sitting by the fire, working on a cross-stitch as her little girl watched. Then Father invited her for a walk under the stars before bed. “Oh, Daddy,” she said, looking up into the glorious stellar display, “if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, what must the right side be like?” No question this is “the wrong side.” Hearts break with grief. Plans that we thought were God’s will lie in ruins at our feet. Hopes fade with the passing years. The world around us grows even more dark and chill.

But look! Up there! The light breaks through in a billion billion ways: answered prayers, gracious provisions, daily strength, sweet fellowship along the way. Heaven’s promises kept on the underside, until we “yet praise Him” who is our Hope.