This psalm is a 'maschil' or psalm of instruction, and it tells us that if we've got a problem we ought to share it - with God in secret, and in joyful praise in the congregation.

Jesus invited us to 'Ask and you will receive'. 'You do not have because you do not ask' says James. Prayer is the child in us coming to our heavenly Father, who delights giving us good gifts.

And the very best prayer is a four-letter petition - 'Help!'.

Different people react to trouble different ways. Some 'die', become immobile, and collapse, when something thwarts their plans or hurts them. Others explode in frustration or rage, externalising their feelings destructively. Still others internalise the problem, and usually become depressed. The most creative response: adapt to trouble, use it constructively, 'tack into the wind'. This is the vision of God being 'at work in all things for good'. He does not make mistakes: all things are at least permitted by him. The best lessons in life are learned in the school of adversity. Life gets better and better even though it may sometimes get harder and harder.

Lord, you are a hiding place for me; you preserve me in trouble, and sometimes even from trouble. Thank you. Amen.