Time and again life throws its punches on us. Some of the hardest punches have landed some in hospital and

some in the grave. Things happen, the roof collapses on you, leaving you uncovered. Situations come up that

takes away all your hope.

We have seen the depression, desperation and pain that the recent pandemic cause on people worldwide.

People lost their jobs, livelihood, their loved ones, some relationships and marriages were broken beyond

repair. Businesses closed, some lost huge amounts of money. Imagine those that had to pay full rent whilst the

business was closed, or having to pay employees. The pandemic took away all the insulation some people had

and exposed every one of us to a possibility of dying in no time.

This was a time when all kinds of troubles multiplied to the population worldwide. Whereas, before, it was here

and there where people were anxious about life challenges, then everyone was cautiously aware of the

possibility of losing their precious lives, families, businesses and jobs.

Those are challenges that people face today, even without a pandemic. Worse now because the empathy level

is down as there is no worldwide pandemic affecting everyone. This is a time where one’s problems may seem

to be unique to them, though in reality, there are problems everywhere. People suffer in their corners now,

with no one to lean on. The lifestyle of today leaves very room to attend to each other’s needs.

Living and growing up in the township, I could just walk in to a friend’s house without calling. You just hear

someone at the door, no appointment, no phone call. A person did not need to make an appointment, they just

walked in and presented their challenges. Now, with city life, you have to call and check if the person is

available. Some who are protecting their space may even lie and say they are not home, simply because they

do not want visitors.

Then, one suffers alone, with no one to talk to. What with the cell phones that one can put on silent mode and

continue with life.

The Bible has such stories of people who were troubled and felt alone. You would not expect the prophet of

fire, Elijah to be depressed. After the victory on Mount Carmel, having destroyed the idol worshipers of Baal,

you would think he would be in high spirits. Instead, he went to a cave, running away from a woman, Jezebel,

the wife of King Ahaz. How could one who had killed so many false prophets be afraid of one woman?

He sat there by the cave until God asked him what he was doing there. He responded “I have been very zealous

for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and

killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” 1 Kings 19:10

His had zeal for the Lord, and look where that got him? He was a wanted man, and he had no strength to fight

the wife of the King, and the soldiers that would have been deployed. This is the same prophet who would call

fire from heaven and 100 men were killed. He thought he was alone, and he was hated in the land. No one had

come to help him against those who sought his life. The reality was not as he thought. “Yet I have reserved

seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1

Kings 19:18.

He was not the only one, but he was alone.

Yet, God was closer to him, He knew where he was, He knew what his state of mind was, He knew that this

man needed company. Immediately after that, Elisha came into the picture.

David, anointed king, yet serving under the reigning King Saul, he faced his fair share of challenges. His King,

whom he served wanted to kill him. David had to run away from the king and stay in caves. He saved some

village from their enemies, yet when the King was approaching, God told him the same people would snitch on

him, so he ran. He protected the shepherds of Nabal, but when he asked for some food, Nabal refused.

He eventually became king, only for his son to target his throne, and off he went again into the wilderness.

Imagine, being dethroned by your own son.

His life’s story explains some of his psalms. The days and nights he cried to the Lord for help, and at times felt

like no one was listening to him. At some point he had all the losers and troubled souls coming to be with him

in the cave and he had to be the strong man.

“O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty

land Where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1

Right in the wilderness of Judah, David knew whom to seek. It does not matter what the situation is, God is the

strength and support you need. He does not always remove the trouble, at times He will give you strength to

endure and come out of it stronger.

The sons of Korah captured it nicely – “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within

me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11

The safest place to run to when your soul is troubled is in God.