A man running away out of fear of his brother who has vowed to kill him. A father pleading for the life of his daughter. A woman seeking a cure for a seemingly incurable sickness. Three people, each facing a desperate circumstance in his or her life, each reaching out for comfort and help. These are the individuals we encounter in today's scripture readings.

And at the centre of it all is the Lord our God. He comes to fearful man in a dream and assures him of His blessings and protection. He hears the pleas of the father and immediately goes forth to raise the man's daughter from the dead. He assures the woman who touched the hem of His garment that she has been healed because of her faith. Each of them received the comfort and help they sought, though in different ways.

It is as if through the readings of the day, the Lord is telling us, "Never mind the circumstances. Never mind your problems. Turn to me and trust me for I am with you and will deliver you. Have faith." This is the Lord's assurance for us today.

So may we with the psalmist cry out, "My God, in you I trust" and then confidently surrender every circumstance into His loving hands this day.