I sit in a stream of sunlight as I write this. There are many emotions I feel in the face of today’s headlines exploding with news that a mob had first surrounded, then invaded, the capitol building in Washington, DC, USA. At first, members of the United States Congress were sheltering in place, and then they were evacuated.

This has been distressing information, to say the least, all the more so because the mob’s chaotic and violent actions were praised and encouraged by the outgoing president of our country. I believe his behavior and the mob’s behavior should be publicly condemned. I think it is wrong. I will speak no more of this, however.

Because as I sit in the sunlight, I am also basking in peace. I feel God has seen my broken heart and baffled mind, and has reached out to comfort me.

In my scripture reading, as part of my Come, Follow Me study, I read the following words from President Russell M. Nelson:

I am optimistic about the future…. But I am also not naive about the days ahead. We live in a world that is complex and increasingly contentious. The constant availability of social media and a 24-hour news cycle bombard us with relentless messages….

Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again…. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

I also ended up in Psalms 27 (as part of my better-late-than-never effort in response to our prophet’s invitation to read all the verses listed in the Topical Guide about the Savior).

This Psalm, a prayer of sorts, felt soothing and so relevant. I know I’m not experiencing the mob (“host”?) action first-hand, but the emotional and mental impact on such news is real for me. It’s upsetting, confusing, concerning, unsettling. But I felt God helping me recenter myself on Him.

This is how we can make it through “a time of trouble.”

I hope that perhaps these words might be helpful to others who may be wrestling with today’s headlines (if you live in the US) or other difficult challenges facing you individually, or us collectively. With God’s help, we can find our way.

1 The Lord is my alight and my bsalvation; whom shall I cfear? the Lord is the dstrength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may adwell in the bhouse of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the cbeauty of the Lord, and to dinquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his apavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a brock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When thou saidst, aSeek ye my bface; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

11 aTeach me thy way, O Lord, and blead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for afalse witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out bcruelty.

13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the aland of the living.

14 aWait on the Lord: be of good bcourage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: cwait, I say, on the Lord.

Sketch copyright Rachel L. Shared with permission.