HOW wonderful it would be to live in a world without war, disease, crime, alcoholism or injustice! Unfortunately reality is somewhat different and we don't have to look very far to see that evil and suffering is not confined to the world's "hot spots". They all too often spill into our own neighbourhoods and beg the age-old questions, "Where is God in suffering?", "Why do the wicked seem to do so well?", "What is the meaning of life?"

Helen sat weeping, trying to make sense of her troubled life. She'd had it all, great looks, promising career, a sincere faith in God. Then she met Dave. He became her everything, and when he suggested they live together she was certain it would last. It didn't, and she wandered through several relationships and religions, futiley searching for the meaning of life. The conclusion of Helen and many others is the same as a statement we find in the Bible "Everything is meaningless!" (Ecclesiastes 1). Even the great King Solomon experienced the tragic consequences of meaninglessness when he turned his back on God (1 Kings 11).

The truth is, the Bible provides an answer for these troubling questions ...we only find life - and meaning - in relationship with God.

JOHN TINNION, Parkside Church, Malvern.