If I'm ever in a weird car accident, or I commit suicide or something, after the media stops celebrating my death, could they check into it? Because I'm not suicidal. And I'm a pretty good driver.

Like all explorers, we are drawn to discover what's out there without knowing yet if we have the courage to face it.

And many evils and troubles shall befall them, so that they will say in that day, 'Have not these evils come upon us because our God is not among us?' " — DEUTERONOMY 31:17

When you feel threatened by the Church, listen to the One who speaks from beneath those humble, human appearances: "It is I; be not afraid.

As Francis Thompson wrote in his classic poem "The Hound of Heaven," "Is my gloom, after all, shade of His hand outstretched caressingly?

The whole world will marvel at how God brings down a powerful enemy while preserving His people.

God has delivered me." David, the future king, has such faith in the future that he speaks of it in the past tense".

It takes calmness and courage. Notice that Daniel never panicked or overreacted in the face of opposition. Amid life-threatening situations, he remained poised and peaceful. He practiced Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations." We can remain calm when we have the deep, supernatural peace of knowing that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

The next time you feel forsaken and lift up your voice to pray to Almighty God, do this—go to a private place and spend significant time reflecting on the incredible truth that the One who hears your prayers has been there too.

Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. JOSHUA 1:9

every troubled time and every troubled person.