You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you for ever. (Psalm 30: 11-12)

For more than twenty months I have been seriously threatened. I have not been paid for over six months. I have applied all of our savings to survival. I face the prospect of very deep - perhaps inescapable - debt.

But the time of trouble - at least this particular trouble - may be coming to a close.

I look back and am amazed. I knew some of the risks that were ahead, but not nearly all. It took much longer and much more than I anticipated to walk this path. It was treacherous beyond my prior experience.

But from the very start and through it all God was with me - beyond my prior experience.

The journey began with my choice. I recall the day and place. On that day God made me a promise - a promise for which I had not asked. I was offered love, protection, and courage. God gave even more.

God has been extravagant far beyond my expectation.

On this Spring morning God has clothed me with joy. I look behind with thanksgiving. I look ahead with hope. Through these troubles I have come to know God - and myself - much better than before. May I keep faith with this understanding.