Psalm 4:1,8 – Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness; thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me; and hear my prayer. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. (KJV)

A little nine-year-old, whom I shall call "Michelle", has been having a hard time since the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. Her dad's job takes him away from home most weeks, and he must travel by air. Although the family has discussed things openly and addressed her concerns and worries, she still struggles with them.

As Michelle's mum was preparing to go to a meeting one night, Michelle told her that even though a caring babysitter would be there with her that evening, she thought she'd be feeling alone when she went to bed. Her mum suggested that maybe if she listened to the radio as she fell asleep, it might be soothing for her, and she brought the radio up to Michelle's room.

The next morning when her mum went in to wake Michelle and bring the radio back down to the kitchen, she heard religious music, and she noticed that the dial wasn't tuned to the talk-show station to which it had always been tuned.

She asked Michelle how she had come to choose that particular station, and Michelle said she had just turned the dial until she heard some music. The station she had tuned in turned out to be a religious one. Now, I wonder Who really turned the dial?

Often, when we are in distress, a seemingly inexplicable situation will occur that settles our souls, soothes whatever it is that is causing our distress, and sets our minds and hearts at ease. Is this not proof that God is in control, that He provides whatever is necessary to ease our unrest? It is said, "With God, there are no coincidences" — the setting of the dial seems to support that thought.

Prayer: O good and gracious God, we thank you for the many ways in which we are led to be comforted by you. May those who sing your praises soothe our souls when we are unsettled, whisper words of encouragement when we are discouraged, help us to hear your voice in the darkness, and let us know we are surrounded by your love in the silence. In your name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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