Where is God in the Dark Days?

Are you bent low under a heavy load today? I know some friends that are barely keeping their heads above water. One hard thing after another has hit them and survival is their current goal.It's been said that we are either coming out of a trial, standing in the midst of one, or there's one on our horizon. Not very comforting, but probably an accurate picture of life on this crazy planet. It can seem at times that our whole world is either falling apart or crashing down on us.There are people who speak a twisted version of scripture and tell us, "God won't give you more than you can handle." That is not exactly true. The verse that is misinterpreted is 1 Corinthians 10:13 which tells us that God won't "tempt" us beyond what we can bear. He promised that he will provide an escape from temptation.He was not talking about the valleys  of life like cancer, aging parents, unemployment, or prodigal children. We cannot escape those; we must walk through the valleys. At times we find ourselves barely crawling.Where is God when we are walking through the rough times? Does he care? Does he see us?When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. Isiah 43:2For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My loving kindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken," Says the LORD who has compassion on you.  Isaiah 54:10Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Proverbs 18:10We are never promised an escape from hard days, but we are promised the presence and comfort of God himself. We don't walk alone through the valleys. We do not have to weather the storms on our own. The world may appear to be crumbling around us, but we stand in the shadow of the Almighty God because he is our tower. We are invited to shelter under his wing.He sees you today. He is offering his presence to you. Allow him to be your refuge and ask him to strengthen you. He is watching for those whose hearts are His. His desire is to support you and strengthen you.For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chronicles 16:9