Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
From St. Patrick’s Breastplate

When it’s all about Jesus Christ, then we can rest secure that no matter the circumstances of our lives, we are held lovingly in the palms of his hands. I was reminded of this truth recently while sitting with a leader who had been tossed and turned by several relationships and incidents that had rocked his boat. When he was finally able to acknowledge the presence and power of Christ in his midst, the seas welling up within him began to calm and his sight for the way forward became much clearer.
There’s something significant about the reminder that no matter what happens to us in this life, Christ is there to rescue, restore, refresh and renew. His ongoing presence brings peace to any storm and joy to all the blessings we receive from his gentle hand. There is no tribulation or temptation that he can’t conquer in our behalf. There is no trial or testing that he can’t help us embrace. The powerful presence and ongoing protection of Christ is our greatest source of strength and hope.
St. Patrick had it right…Christ is forever before us and when we invoke his name we return our thanks and praise to the place where it rightfully belongs: to the Lord of our salvation.