Hi everyone, it’s seven weeks since my last post. Why? Well, it’s not because of exams; the days of exams are long behind me … I’m not as young as the guy in the picture! And thankfully it’s not because of writer’s block. The truth is my computer was hacked by some unknown person, who didn’t want to let go. No matter what I did – running anti-virus scans, changing passwords, even changing my computer – he still found a loophole. It was only after a number of weeks of stress, concerted effort and prayer that I finally managed to close the door on his activities. (So if I’ve missed replying to you in that time, please forgive me!)

Now I know that for many of us, a computer hacker is the least of our worries. Even now we may be facing a situation that overwhelms us; we may not know where to turn. The truth is we are all vulnerable; especially in today’s ‘every man for himself’ world. Of course, there are millions who really do care, and much good is being done, but when you’re going through what seems like a hurricane in your own life – something that came out of nowhere with no end in sight – what do you do? Where do you turn?

If you’re a follower of this blog, you won’t be surprised at my suggestion to call on your Creator, to invite Jesus into your situation, to try praying. Sometimes we really can’t see a way out; the only possible solution is if help comes from above. (I know I felt that way last month!) We can find encouragement in the ancient Book of Psalms that points us in the right direction:

“I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4 (CEV)
“They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.”
Psalm 107:6 (NIV)
“For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.”
Psalm 116:8 (NIV)

When your life is upside-down, it might seem strange to say that Jesus cares for you, but He does. So tell Him about it, ask Him to intervene and don’t give up. There is an old acronym: ‘P.U.S.H.’, i.e. Pray Until Something Happens.

When our life is falling apart, we may be tempted to blame God, but He is the One who not only sustains us, but walks alongside us through our troubles, and is our hope for the future. Over 2,000 years ago, a prophet called Hosea encouraged his people to keep going, to press on, because when our time of trouble eventually passes, it’s our Creator who will refresh us, restore us and raise us up once again:

“Come, let us return to the Lord,
for He has torn, and He will heal us.
He has struck, and He will bind us up …
Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.
His appearance is as sure as the dawn.
He will come to us like the rain; like the spring rains He will water the earth.”
Hosea 6:1, 3 (MEV)