Have you ever gone whitewater rafting?

To be sure, there can be great joy when floating down some quick rapids on a river, dodging rocks, descending and ascending with the flow of the water.

But there’s also a sense of terror.

Few are ever seriously injured or actually perish on such rides — but some do. The few fatal exceptions just drive home the point: the peril is always present. The ride wouldn’t be the same without it.

So, while you may be laughing joyously with the person sitting next to you one moment, the next, you may be clinging tightly to a hand or a hand-hold in an effort to feel safe.

Such are the joys and perils of life.

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. It has its thrills and also its moments of terror.

God knows this. That’s why He prescribes that we join a community of believers to share the ride with us. God uses us to comfort those who are hurting — just as He guides others to comfort us when we need it. Find your “faithful friends.” There is no reason to ride the ride alone!