Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13. ESV.

As we face challenges and trials we’ve never encountered before, we can feel overwhelmed and unprepared. What to do? How to respond? As the second Scripture referenced above shows us, what we experience is common to man. Unique in the experiencing of it, but common in what we all face. And our psalm, Psalm 140, prays for help with trials from those who devise harm that we of ourselves are unable to stop. Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips. v. 1-3. And the wonderful thing in the midst of the plans of the violent, in the midst of diseases and heartache of every kind, is the truth that our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit, is with us. How many people live without experiencing His closeness? My prayer is for them. David knew and understood just how close God was to him and he could write – I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy. Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, You shield my head in the day of battle. Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed…I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise Your name, and the upright will live in Your presence. v. 6-8, 12-13.

These are not just words on a page in a book given thousands of years ago. This is a way of living with God’s help to understand when we come up against life that no longer makes sense and nothing will do but to receive answers that matter. Our deepest need. I came up against that wall and could go no further several years ago. I did not understand the evil in this world and why it was allowed to happen. “Pat” answers would not do. I turned to our God. I needed His answers. I began a journey with Him that is replenishing my soul, heart, mind, and spirit. And now I know just as David knew that our God is faithful and He is Love and nothing less will do. Yes, this world still turns to evil and we all suffer…our choice, not God’s. Maybe we need to suffer before we realize there is a better way and it is with Almighty God guiding us to what is true. There is a better way. God helping us. Our choice always. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8. Living in the presence of God.