In the midst of the desolations St. Paul experienced in his life, he had the faith consolation that, abandoned by others, the Lord stood by  him. He could have easily despaired in his desolation, but he didn't. Why? Did he recall the example of Jesus, his role model? In the depths of his own human desolation, Jesus knew in his heart that the Father stood by him, for he was the beloved Son. Desolation and feeing abandoned is part of the human journey. God gives us the grace at those moments to profess in faith that he is faithful to his promise to be with us always. Lord, help me to remember this in my times of desolation and darkness.