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There always will be a few insensitive individuals who glibly quote Scripture at random and have an answer for every instance of life. That said, you and I must not overlook the fact that in times of stress and difficulty, nothing, absolutely nothing, takes the place of holy Scripture. When I am feeling weak and discouraged, I look for someone with a light of hope in their eyes. I long for someone to reach out to me and encourage me. The Scriptures give us hope, not only for the present, but also for eternity. If the ultimate fear—death—becomes a reality, God has promised me heaven. I am sure of that. This is not a pat answer to avoid in counseling. It is the truth from which we find answers, the ultimate reality in a world which sometimes makes no sense. When I called a friend who lost his mother earlier that day, I had my Bible open to Psalm 46 and, with my friend’s permission, read it to him. I never have known anyone to refuse. And by the way, it was one of my mother’s favorite Bible passages that she quoted over and over throughout her life. Psalm 46 begins by saying, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Wow! What could be better to share with a hurting friend today? This is Luis Palau.