Have you ever been on the Sunday evening worry wheel? Recently, my mind was spinning and unproductively thinking of the week ahead. I couldn’t concentrate on a book so I mindlessly channel surfed in an effort to distract myself.
 
I landed on a gripping episode of a TV news show reporting on the crisis of a well-known company, its safety concerns and government oversight.
 
It was heartbreaking. Lives were lost. 
 
Needless to say, it wasn’t relaxing nor helpful for my racing thoughts and anxious mind. News is so often sad, bad or plain awful. It’s hard to feel reassured of God’s presence when there is so much chaos and hurt. 
 
But as the TV show ended, my phone chimed with a text message. It was Adam, my husband’s high school friend who officiated our wedding. He texts us every November on our anniversary with a word of celebration for our marriage and a reminder of God’s love. 
 
But a Sunday night in March, was out of the blue. His short message read:
"Thought for the week: The struggle is real, but so is God’s love. ❤️"
 
Indeed, God’s love IS real - even when the world feels dark. 

“But even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.” – Psalm 139:12
 
God is real in my friend who shared a simple comforting text. He is real in me as I write this. He is real in the reporters who aim to prevent more lives lost. He is real when a vulnerable mom finds her way to the support and love of a counselor. He is real when a child receives a new pair of shoes.
 
Rejoice that when there is dark, there will also be light. Know God is real in you and for that reason – you can shine that light to others. 

Written by Melissa Grych, director of public relations for Buckner International.