In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. (Ps. 86:7)
ONE OF MY KIDS ONCE accused me of being too Christian, saying, “Not everything has to be connected to God!” The intended criticism actually pleased me, because my worst fear is that I’m not doing enough to show my children the beauty of a relationship with God. Apparently I am.
I don’t want to be one of those people who annoys people with their blasé answers of faith, but the truth is that God is connected to everything, and He is the answer to all our problems. It would seem wrong and selfish to not direct others to the wisdom of God, found in Scripture, to help them find the solution to their distress. I don’t call out to God out of habit (well, at least not primarily) when I’m facing difficulties; I go to Him because I know He is the answer.
Sometimes God’s compassion comes in the form of discipline, and He tells me I need to change—resulting in good decisions that improve my life. Sometimes God’s compassion comes in the form of comfort, and He fills me with a sense of His love—resulting in courage. Sometimes God’s compassion comes in the form of grace, and He teaches me to forgive myself or others—resulting in peace.
Whatever we need in our time of distress, our heavenly Father, who is like no other, answers our cry.
Spend time daily in the Word so that you will find God’s answers.
Heather Gemmen Wilson is the author of the Global Warning Series (Wesleyan Publishing House), a fiction series for preteens. She is married to a Wesleyan pastor and together they have six children.
