Picture this: In the middle of the night a violent storm blows up. The wind howls, the thunder cracks, the lightning flashes. A little child in her bed cringes beneath the cover, scared half to death. But she musters up enough courage to run into mommy and daddy’s room and crawl into bed with them. Now she knows she is safe. Let the wind roar and the thunder crash. Nothing can harm her. Snug and warm, she falls asleep.

Jesus promises an Advocate, one who stands in the gap between the trouble of this world and the righteousness of God. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 16-17; Psalm 96; John 16