Rabbi Beyer says, When we struggle, that is when G-d is closest.
G-d is the one who "forms light and creates darkness...makes peace and creates evil." (Isaiah 45:7). G-d hears our prayers especially those with tears. Difficulties may be divine lessons which polish our soul. During challenges, we tend to whisper a prayer to connect with the Holy One. G-d is present with us in the depths. (Psalms 139:7-18). When things are difficult, we pray and read sacred texts, especially Psalms. At funerals we read, "The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing... Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me." (Psalm 23). Realizing that G-d is with us regardless of the crisis, is perhaps the greatest source of comfort. "From out of my distress I called to
G-d...G-d answered me... G-d is with me, I have no fear." (Psalms 118:6).
When things are difficult, we pray and read sacred texts, especially Psalms. At funerals we read, "The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing... Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me." (Psalm 23). Realizing that G-d is with us regardless of the crisis, is perhaps the greatest source of comfort. "From out of my distress I called to G-d...G-d answered me... G-d is with me, I have no fear." (Psalms 118:6).
Faith Forum appears each Sunday in the Local Life Section of the Reno Gazette Journal. Faith Forum clergy answer a question posed each week and responses in the paper are limited to 150 words. Rabbi Beyer is featured as the "Jewish" response. In February 2014 it was 3 YEARS for Faith Forum column in the RGJ. This interfaith group is now working towards a book which would be an edited collection of these columns. See www.nevadafaithforum.org