hese are disturbing times.  Most of us never imagined such a brutal attack on our freedom.  In times when things go well it is easy to believe we can rely on ourselves and our own resources.  We can prepare for the future.  We can invest and believe our investments are secure.  Then something happens and we find that our underpinnings are beginning to crumble.

That could be a health issue, a relationship difficulty or the loss of a loved one.  It can also be the kind of feelings brought about by the recent violence against our Country.  We come to see that there are certain things that are beyond our control.  We simply don't have enough power.  It becomes natural then, to seek the One who has all power.

We can be afraid.  What if something happens to me or my loved ones?  What happens if my resources won't care for my needs?  What would happen to me if I died today?  What if this is the beginning of the end?  Whenever such feelings have come to us we have reached for those who could provide security.  When we were younger we most likely ran to our parents.  As we become older, it could be our husband, wife or a trusted friend or relative.  But what happens if they're scared too?

We are not alone!  We are not much different from people down through the ages who have returned to God and the practice of their faith.  Time and time again people have strayed from faith during times of security and prosperity.  I times when trouble came though, many have been wise enough to return to the God of their youth, the God who sustained them in simpler times.

God loves you.  God loves all of us.  The love of God has always been there for us.  It's only a prayer away.  We can return to the practice of our faith.  We can come to see that the faith that helped us feel safe and protected years ago can do so now as well.  God loves us.  When our earthly life ends, God will welcome us into God's kingdom.  What a great opportunity to strengthen our connections before that day comes!

any of us yearn to return to simpler times.  Although that's not possible, we can return to the simple faith of days and years gone by.  God is with us always.  How happy God is when we come back!