There are times when we feel surrounded and overwhelmed by hostile voices and difficult situations. It is so easy to despair or give up but there is something that Jeremiah insists that we never forget: we are never, ever, alone and without hope. God is always with us, regardless of the situation or the difficulty. God will never abandon us or leave us alone. We still have to face the difficulties, but God is there to help us and give us strength and courage.

The bystanders were angry an accused Jesus of making himself God. But Jesus points out that Scripture itself referred to humans as gods. In fact, we are divine to the extent that we imitate God through compassion, kindness, love, and justice - for that is what God is. Not only that, we carry the imprint of God in our soul for we were created in the divine image. If ordinary people can be all of these things how much more Jesus because of his relationship to the Father. So often we dwell on the negative things within us - the weakness, sin, and fear. How different our life might be if we can focus and meditate on the divine characteristics within us - the love, compassion, and sense of justice. And we can encourage these characteristics and make them grow ever stronger. It is God Himself who invites us into a divine relationship. Let us not shrink back or run away in fear.