Dee: Where can I find help when I'm troubled? What responsibility do I have personally when I call upon God to help me?

I have had a generous share of trouble, and God has been a present help in every case. I suspect that you have had problems, too. Sooner or later, everyone has heartaches.

Harv: When our trials become heavy, we can respond by complaining, swearing, drinking, using drugs, getting even, walowing in self pity or anger. There is a more satisfying way, and that is to look to God for help and direction.

Dee: The Bible, God's word, gives us help for any problem we may have. There are topical indexes for Bibles, which aid us in finding Bible texts that apply to our particular problem. There are numerous books written on a wide variety of subjects for our edification which we can find at the local Christian book stores.

John: Mom, Dad, growing up in your home, I was aware that you both used scripture and prayer to give you peace of mind and direction at all times, especially during adversities. I also have found scriptures which helped me through difficult times, including a painful and disabling illness.

Harv: God has given us a precious promise to encourage us in times of trouble. It's found in 1 Corinthians 10:13. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Dee: Tyndale's Living Bible reads: "Don't worry about anything. Instead, tell God your problems and don't forget to thank him. If you do this you will experience peace in your heart and mind through Jesus Christ." This is a promise that's tremendous when we draw upon it.

John: Also, in the 4th chapter of Philippians is a favorite verse of mine. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Harv: In between the two verses you mentioned, Dee and John, is another very helpful one which will certainly help our spirit is we consciously practice it. John, would you read verse 8 to us from Tyndale's Living Bible?

John: "Fix your thoughts on what is good and true and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and dwell on the fine good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about."

Dee: On a previous program, we talked about praising God because Jesus taught us to, and because the Bible says God is worthy of being praised. Through our obedience in praising God, He in turn blesses us. This is confirmed by Isaiah 61:3 which says He has given us "a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair".

Harv: Oh yes, so many times God has lifted my distressed spirit as I have praised Him in the midst of my problem.

Dee: An outstanding example of this in my life is when you were so very ill, Harv. Since I'm a registered nurse, I recognized that you were in shock. I thought you were either having a heart attack or had a blood clot that was lodged in your lung. So I called an ambulance and I prayed as I drove the car behind the ambulance on the way to the hospital. My mind was busy. "How bad is Harv's pain? Is he still alive? Could I ever live without him? He's absolutely vital to my happiness; no one could ever replace him. Oh dear, what about finances, Lord? You know my poor health won't allow me to earn a living anymore."

Needless to say, these thoughts could be devastating. As tears began to roll down my cheeks and knots began to rip my stomach, I cried out to God. Immediately, I realized that Satan would love for me to fall apart or for my faith to waver.

Remembering these verses we've just talked about, I began to praise God for all the good years that he'd allowed me to have with Harv. I thanked Him for all the blessings one by one. I thought on what was good and true and right. Then assurance began to come. I became confident that God would do what is best. God dried my eyes. He calmed my fears and lifted my spirit. The presence of the Lord was so strong around me as I entered the emergency ward of the hospital that I knew I could handle whatever was ahead. God had given me the garment of praise and lifted my spirit of despair.

Harv: When we look to God we have this treasure written for us in 2 Corinthians 4, "We are troubled but not distressed, preplexed but not in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken. Cast down, but not destroyed. Our strength is in Christ."

John: Romans 8:28 is encouraging, too. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Knowing that God is going to make something good come from my problems does make them easier to bear.

Dee: Sure dies, John. The apostle Paul tells us that he had a thorn in his flesh and prayed three times asking God to remove it. Then God said to him, "My grace is sufficient for thee. My strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul then said he would gladly accept his infirmaties that the power of Christ might rest upon him. In spite of his thorn in the flesh, God's power did rest on him. He was used mightly. He was able to praise God while he sat in prison in stocks after having been beaten. Yes, Paul practiced praise even in adversity.

Harv: In review, what will give us help in times of need?

John: Talking to God about the problem, and asking Him for His peace that passes human understanding.

Dee: Studying the scriptures which pertain to our problem and applying them to the situation is very helpful.

Harv: Allowing God to direct our attitudes and activities. Also, obedience to God's word can give us peace and patience while the answers to our problems are worked out.

John: I'm intrgued about how some problems were answered for you, Mom. Like your miraculous healing a few years back and even some of you and Dad's personality conflicts.

Dee, Harv and John laugh

Be they little personality matters or major hurdles, God's words and promises give us hope, strength, encouragement, direction and even sometimes miracles.