When I was young, maybe seven or eight, my family went two provinces east to visit friends. Since we were visiting a sleepy little town (and since it was the 80s) my parents told me to take my bike and go for a ride while they caught up with their friends.

Back then I couldn't think of much that could top the freedom felt from riding a bike. It was like all my cares disappeared and I was lost on a cloud of happiness. So I set out and cheerfully whizzed around the block again and again.

I don't know how long I rode for before I realized I didn't know where I was, which was a surprise since I thought I was going in circles! My head darted wildly, searching for something (anything) familiar. As I fought tears of panic I continued riding in the same direction. But now I felt scared, nervous, vulnerable, and so very alone.

We have all experienced these quick shifts in emotions—one moment we're on top of the world and the next in a pit of despair. It's actually amazing how fast the transition is. We can go from absolute trust in God to doubting His love at all. It is in times like these we are the most vulnerable to doubt and must guard our minds and hearts against it, lest we be caught off guard.

In times of great stress we need a solid foundation to fall back upon. In the Christian life—especially in times of doubt—we need the training from solid Bible teaching and Scripture memory. It is in those moments of panic and fear your training kicks in and you realize even though you feel lost and alone, it's not truth. God is with you. God cares for you. God will lead you and guide you.

A verse I find myself continually relying on is Joshua 1:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” It's such a simple promise and yet I seem to so quickly forget it as soon as life throws me a curve.

After I recovered from the initial shock of realizing I didn't know where I was my school training kicked in. Actually, I knew what to do if I got lost. First I thought back and remembered the name of the street I was looking for. Then I remembered my parent's license plate was different from the rest so it would stand out. As well I was pretty sure I was still going in circles, so as long as I looked carefully and didn't change my course I should find my way before too long. Feeling less afraid, I continued on my way and eventually I did come across a familiar vehicle and breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course not all of life's stresses can be approached so simplistically but when our faith is built on a firm foundation we are that much stronger when the storms of life beat against us (Luke 6:46-49). The next time you find yourself doubting God's love and hand on your life, repeat Joshua 1:5 to yourself and know they're God's words for you: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”