In Psalm 55, we get insight into what it's like to face trouble we can't handle alone. Overcome with 'fear and trembling' (Psalm 55:5 NIV), David's panicked words show a natural response to pain: run. Today we're looking at a choice we have to make: run from something in our own strength or rely on God.

From everyday irritations and conflicts, to upsetting situations and unhealthy habits, we tend to want to avoid or hide from hard life-stuff. David wanted to grow a pair of wings (see Psalm 55:6) and get as far from trouble as possible. It's an understandable and quite natural response to fear. The fact is, God is the only source of strength who'll bring peace. Any hiding place that ignores his refuge and strength (see Psalm 46:1) won't get us through in the way that he wants... which is to be strengthened and draw closer to him.

As the psalm progresses, David draws closer to God. He learns not to hide, but to trust God to save him: 'As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me' (Psalm 55:16 NIV). Relying on God gives us the strength we need to have peace about a situation, even when we want to find the nearest exit.

So what now? Considering running? Stop! Draw closer to God: 'Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles' (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). So keep it simple: ask God for an extra boost of strength whenever you need it.

It's Sunday morning. It's church. And we're on time. We've read the Bible and prayed. No one may notice the halo, but we're fairly sure it's there as we walk in. Unfortunately, the only seat free is next to that person; that person who is nail-bitingly annoying. Everyone has one of those people in their family, church, friendship group or workplace. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up on how we would change them that we don't allow our interactions to change us. When someone is very frustrating, we are often blinded by our own prejudices.

When we realise that we have hang-ups, we have two options: to bury the frustration and keep building internal anger (which does us no favours), or to bring it to God and ask for help. Amazing news: he thinks that person is great (yes, really) and he thinks we're great too.

Proverbs 10:13 NLT says: 'Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding.' This is an antidote to frustration: if we ask God for his words, we will speak kindness into that person's life. As we choose to turn from negativity and ask God to show us his love for that person, we'll begin to see them through his eyes. If they change it will be through God's love, which he allows us to demonstrate. And, having that love flow through us will always change us, too.

So what now? Picture that person - now choose to pray positive things for them. Ask God for his perspective in your interactions with them.

Yesterday we learned that God speaks to us through others. When we feel that our conscience is moved/that Bible verse is stuck in our head/our heart is racing and we feel a clear sense of direction, what comes next? Well, first - doing what God wants doesn't always have to be tough. It can be as simple as doing exactly what he's asking us to do.

But what about when it isn't straightforward? What about when trusting God is the polar opposite of what seems the logical way to go. The times when trusting in God's voice takes some real guts. When the ship's officer chose not to consider what God said through Paul, all seemed fine. At first, the direction they chose met them with a 'gentle south wind'; the hurricane wasn't in plain sight (see Acts 27:13-14). The lesson here is: God's way doesn't always seem the natural first choice. But, we read in Acts 27:20 NIV that the crew had lost 'all hope of being saved.' Not good.

Praying when hope is lost, speaking to that person for the millionth time about coming to church, not going to that university, doing the opposite of what others expect from us... When God asks us to go against the expected, it's always worth the risk.

So what now? How do you know you should take a risk? If you're at a pause in your journey, do these checks: search your Bible for instances that speak about your situation; speak to an older, wiser Christian; pray and listen.

Yesterday we read about doing what God is asking of us, even when we can't see how it'll make a difference. Paul sets a really good example when it comes to this (see Acts 27:9-21). The crew on board the ship, on the other hand, show us the importance of considering what God may be saying to us through others.

The officer in charge of the ship ignored Paul's warnings because: (1) Paul was a prisoner and seen as an untrustworthy source; and (2) The ship's owner and pilot were experts when it came to sailing. It seems completely logical, when looked at from their perspective, to carry on with the voyage and disregard non-sailor Paul's warnings. Thank goodness that Paul knew God's voice and continued to trust him in the storm.

How many times have we felt inadequate to share our faith because we think the person we're speaking to is more intelligent than us, and/or we're afraid we won't be able to show God to them? It's easier to listen to the voices that say we can't or that we're wrong than it is to listen to our church leaders or Christian friends telling us we can. Waiting on God is more than hearing God speaking directly to our heart/mind/ears; it's also trusting that we can hear God when he speaks through others. Let's be more open to that possibility.

So what now? Ask one of your Christian friends to pray for you, out loud. Listen for what God might be saying to you through their prayer.

In Acts 27, Paul was a prisoner on board a ship headed to Rome. At a stop on the journey, God asked Paul to do something incredibly brave: tell the crew not to leave the harbour because there was going to be a terrible storm. Now remember, Paul was their prisoner, so he suspected the crew wouldn't listen to him. He told them and they did ignore him, so off they went into the heart of the storm and (surprise surprise), they ended up shipwrecked.

Paul didn't know what was coming or what would happen if he listened to God. The crew could've done anything; he was completely at their mercy. However, he obeyed God's words, they came true and this led him to a place where he was able to encourage his captors. In Acts 27:21-22 NIV Paul says, 'Men, you should have taken my advice...but now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.'

Paul could've lost hope when the crew ignored him, but instead he waited on God as he continued to move in the situation. Psalm 37:34 GWT says, 'Wait with hope for the Lord, and follow his path, and he will honour you.' God revealed himself to the crew through Paul's obedience, even though Paul didn't know what was coming or what to expect.

So what now? Despite your personal circumstances, take action. Pray lots, then go with what you think God's saying to you. Watch him guide you.

Jesus was a huge giver: he healed, encouraged, lifted up. In fact, he gave his life for all humanity. He is our best example of giving freely, abundantly and joyfully. We're not asked to give so we can tick boxes on a list of spiritual acts nor should we give out of guilt or powerlessness. We're to give so we can be a blessing to people. Giving is sacrificial. It can be difficult to do, but when we give of our time, energy and finances, other people are benefitted by receiving. It's not about our efforts; it's about others' needs.

And, giving is something we should be practising now, in response to God's direction. We can't wait until we're in that better job or that bigger house to give extravagantly. If we desire to be more generous, we must allow God to grow our generosity today.

God will change our heart as we act sacrificially, choosing to give, even though it may be inconvenient, awkward or painful. Sometimes the number of needs can seem overwhelming but, as we follow God's guidance and our passions, we will see our giving make a huge difference in others' lives.

So what now? Our time can be the hardest thing to give away. So let's start with that. Set aside a specific amount of time (ask God for his guidance) to do something for someone else in the next 24 hours.