Maintaining

I can do all things through Christ 
who gives me the strength.
Philippians 4:13

I have often been asked by my fellow inmates… 

...and even from people on the outside, how do I manage to "hold it together?" In other words, how have I been able to maintain a positive outlook on life as opposed to sinking into a state of despair, or becoming angry and bitter.

Considering that I have been incarcerated for 45 years, their questions are certainly valid ones. Yet, the answer I will give them is always the same. It is because God loves me, and He has promised never to leave nor forsake me.

Time and again, the Lord has shown himself to be trustworthy. He has watched over me and protected and guided me through all kinds of situations. He has helped me to face life's challenges and has encouraged my heart whenever I would feel down.

I know that if I had only myself to rely upon, things would have ended in failure and defeat. The reality is, "My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26).

When it is all said and done, it is one hundred percent Jesus, and zero percent me.

D.B.