One evening over a year ago, I walked to my car at night after visiting friends. In the darkened area where I parked, I tripped over a parking block, which caused me to stumble forward and fall forcefully into the fender of my car. My head and shoulder took most of the impact. Although I was startled, I thanked God that nothing was broken and that I didn’t lose any items from my book bag, which was still on my shoulder, intact.
When anything happens that startles me, it is my habit to turn immediately to God in prayer. As I sat on the ground with my back against the front tire, I used my cellphone to call one of the friends I had visited, and she came quickly to assist me. I handed her my book bag and sat still for a few moments to continue calming my thoughts.
One idea that came to me was the Bible’s assurance that God is with us at all times. A verse I love to ponder in particular is: “The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down” (Psalms 145:14). The fact that God is always with us reminded me of an earlier time when I had felt the healing touch of the divine presence.
