One Sunday evening, I was mugged on my way home.

(I did get my Nando’s card back – yay!)

Following the incident, I started to question God:

Where was he?
Why would he let this happen to me?
I thought he loved me?

I felt very alone and needed answers. Why hadn't God rescued me?

A bearded friend sent me a short yet nourishing verse, “I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

Suddenly, I realised why I couldn't feel or see God’s comfort or care that day.

He is actually always there, whether or not I sense him. When I call out to him, he'll never fail me.

God doesn't take away hard times, but we can certainly find strength and hope knowing that he will always be with us and will help us through.

If we have gone through life trusting in our own judgement, we may find it harder to submit to God and his plan for us. If we refuse to see God’s hand and direction in our lives, we may never know just how good he can be to us.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)

We will definitely face many hard times. Some of these are inevitable and beyond our control, but these can be endured with God’s help. Some of our anguish and affliction is self-imposed and can be avoided, yet God still offers peace as we gather the courage to make the necessary changes in our lives.

God’s forgiveness and affectionate approval can give us peace as we face hard times, even when the hurting we face is our very own fault.

He has the authority to guide us down the path of life; he has already conquered all the barriers that stand in the way!

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)