Michel: Knowing where to turn helps in times of need

Published 12:01 am Saturday, September 12, 2015

Lauren and Elise, two of my daughters, differ in many ways.

Lauren doesn’t like to be alone, viewed school as an opportunity to visit with friends and has never met a mascara she didn’t like.

Elise craves quiet evenings of Netflix documentaries, can’t understand why everyone doesn’t love to study math and science and rarely wears makeup.

There are also similarities. In addition to sharing DNA, over the years Lauren and Elise, now ages 26 and 23 respectively, have also shared a bedroom, an unconditional love for Lauren’s daughter Adeline and a high school volleyball court.

I appreciated the convenience of having two girls on the same team and can’t remember ever missing a game.

One particular Saturday morning still makes me smile. It was an early morning drive to Baton Rouge to watch the girls’ match and a volleyball moment that lasted a few seconds, but spoke of their bond as sisters.

Elise went after the ball and soon realized she needed assistance. Rather than say ‘help,’ Elise called to the person she knew would get the ball over the net, the one who always has her back, and yelled, “Lauren!”

The player next to Elise stepped back as Lauren raced from behind to hit the ball.

Elise knew exactly who was able to help her.

So did the writer of Psalm 116. He wrote of a time he was in danger, overcome by trouble and sorrow. “Then I called on the name of the Lord… when I was in great need, he saved me.”

In one of the most difficult times of my life, I clung to Psalm 50:15.

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

During times of great need, it’s the name of the Lord I call to for help.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.