We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  2 Corinthians 4:8-9

The stress is rising, as is your blood pressure.  Higher and higher they go.  All of a sudden the bottom falls out.  Last-minute changes pop up.  Commitments are dropped.  Good news is followed by bad news.  You cry out, "I want off the roller coaster!"  We've all been there.  Maybe you're feeling strapped in a roller-coaster ride through a sin-filled world right now.

Amusement park roller coasters don't amuse me.  Neither do emotional ones.  But if you think about it, roller coasters are designed are designed for control.  Each car is attached to a beam on which it rides.  Although it doesn't feel this way, everything is designed to keep you safe.

In the same way God remains present and in control, even when it doesn't feel that way.  Even when life seems perilous, your heavenly Father remains faithful, guarding you from all harm and protecting you from all evil.  By His spirit He gives you faith in Christ - who died and rose for you - so that your faith and trust in Him may never be shaken.  Your Jesus has gone the way of the cross for you, to hold on to you through all the ups and downs of life.  He is in control, and he will bring you safely home.

 From "Portals of Prayer" (c) 2004 by Concordia Publishing House.  Reproduced by permission under license number 07:09-18B.  For ordering information contact Concordia at www.cph.org .