For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honour; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. (Psalm 62: 5-7)

Each of us face challenges which are beyond our own solution. We might be the wealthiest man, the wisest woman, or the most powerful person and still the problems will persist.

At such times the psalmist counsels waiting in silence. The Hebrew is damam meaning to enter into a disciplined quiet or to be made silent by an awe inspiring event.

In this quiet we should watch and wait for hope. The Hebrew is tiqvah which in common language means a cord or rope. It is as if we have fallen over a cliff and are perched on a crumbling ledge. A saving rope is thrown from above us.

In such times if we can quiet our passions and anxieties - and if we seek and welcome God's help - we are more likely to see the cord of hope in the midst of the tangled vines of trouble.

We must perceive it, grasp it, and choose to use the cord. But we can be certain that God is a constant source of hope and help.