This column was originally published in the December 10th, 2011 edition of The Kingston Whig-Standard

Where does one search for solace at times of tribulation and heartache?

For those of us who believe in a Creator, we seek comfort in prayer and in the wisdom of the written word, especially religious writings.

Another great source of comfort is the affection and kindness of people – from family, friends to strangers whose compassion and willingness to help eases many difficulties.

A brother of mine recommended that the psalms of the Prophet David would be a source of comfort, as David also called out to God in his times of trouble. All three religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam recognize David as a man of God.

Though most of us are familiar with the Biblical psalms, few of us are aware that these are also mentioned in the Quran and are part of Islam.

In the Quran, God says he inspired many prophets and gave David “a book of divine wisdom” the Zabur. God graced David with favour and told the mountains and birds to “Sing with him the praise of God.” And again, “David would always turn to Us and for this; We caused the mountains to join him in extolling Our limitless glory at eventide and at sunrise…” It is noteworthy that nature is ordered to “sing” with the Prophet, as some Muslims frown upon music!

David’s psalms deeply touch the heart, Psalm 27:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of
my life, of whom shall I be afraid?”

In 140: “Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; which imagines mischiefs in the heart; …”

In Psalm 118 David says “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His mercy endureth forever. “

The Quran also mentions God’s mercy and compassion, and it is these characteristics which are most often cited in the Quran, with God affirming – “My mercy encompasses all things.”

It is difficult to make sense of the tragedies which occur, but believing in a merciful God
somehow sustains us.

I often think of the Buddha and his explanation of life and death. He believed that life is pain, with flashes of what we call happiness, but these are illusory and fade quickly in the reality of suffering.

What this means is we should try to be free of attachments of material things, as these are part of the fetters of life which keep us enmeshed in this world.

How I wish I had the wisdom to practice such detachment!

Another source of comfort is the teachings of wise Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and one of the founders of existential psychology. In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning”, Frankl says people ask the wrong question of life. Instead of focusing on why bad things happen to us, the real question is how do we respond to what has happened? There is no question of fairness, nor do we have control over the actions of others. What is within our power is the response we can give to such occurrences – that is all we can control and that is all we can do for ourselves.

This is wise indeed and worth pursuing, even if it requires a high standard of maturity and strength!And then, there is the joy and comfort of compassionate people in one’s life! For this gift no self-discipline is required, just happy acceptance of all the affection and caring.

Blessed are those who, like us, have family and friends who immediately encompass us with the warmth of their love and concern. Still more fortunate when neighbours and acquaintances come forward with unstinting help, along with the kindness of strangers.

Previously I have written about compassion and now have experienced it fully. There is evil and then there is good, and though we will live with the harm and fear, we are truly grateful and humbled by the warmth and compassion of so many. Thank you.

The Quranic prayer comforts:
“I seek refuge in the Lord of Dawn,
From the evil of that which God has created;
From the evil of the intense darkness when it comes;
From the evil of those who cast evil suggestions into firm resolutions,
And from the evil of the envier when he envies.”