Hopefully all of us realize that the saints of the last two millennia can be wonderful friends, helpers, intercessors and companions for those of us still struggling through life here on earth.

Yet another great group of people in heaven — the righteous men and women of the Old Testament — stand ready to assist us also. Their surroundings were different, but their challenges can resonate with us in modern times.

Consider, for example, Susanna, whose story is told in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 13. Two elders of the people lusted after her and when she refused their advances, they sought to put her to death. She called out to God who heard her prayer and rescued her. How marvelously Susanna could help those who are falsely accused or who are being pressured by powerful people who wish to misuse them.

We may know the story of Joseph, young son of Jacob, from the “Dreamcoat” musical. His story in the Book of Genesis is an exciting read. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery because they were jealous of their father’s love for him. In Egypt, the slave Joseph rejected the advances of a powerful woman, who then claimed he had assaulted her. He was imprisoned for years. God turned Joseph’s life around suddenly, comparable to someone nowadays being homeless and winning the lottery.

If ever we need help to forgive people who have wronged us, to cope with swift success, to not despair when suffering from another’s lies, we can look to Joseph.

King David also is someone who can empathize with a number of challenges we may face in life. Long before he was king, he defeated Goliath. It was the first of many, many battles. Whenever we feel powerless before a mighty foe, we can seek out David’s strategic help.

David also suffered from the jealousy of King Saul. Saul spoke kindly to David even as he intended to traps and kill him, which is reminiscent of what in modern times are called “frenemies.”  Saul’s son, Jonathan, at first convinced his father not to kill David, and, the First Book of Samuel says, “David served him as before.” All who are stuck with bosses who work against them can ask David to accompany them in their own perilous journeys at work.

David spared the murderous Saul more than once and can help us try to love our enemies. His son Absalon rebelled against him, so he also understands the trials faced by some parents.

In the Second Book of Samuel, David sins in a huge way, committing adultery and arranging for the husband of the woman to be killed. Unlike the majority of such great sinners, David repented immediately once he saw clearly what he had done. David knows from experience how blinded by sin people can be. He can help all who are stumbling, and he can teach us the blessings that come from repentance.

Ruth, whose story is told in the biblical book named for her, experienced a young widowhood. She chose to remain with her mother-in-law, Naomi, also a widow, who was distraught by the bitter hand that had been dealt to her with the loss of her husband and two sons. Both women experienced hunger, homelessness and feelings of abandonment as they traveled to another land in hopes of finding food among Naomi’s kin. Ruth, a foreigner among the Israelites, was prepared to lead a hard life, willing to work in the fields to keep the two of them alive. Instead God blessed her with a new, loving husband who cared for them both.

Ruth is a wonderful example of how God’s mercy can renew the lives of those who are virtuous and humble.

Let’s not forget Job and his knowledge of sorrow and suffering, or Jeremiah as he sought to serve God in spite of fears and threats; or the depth of Abraham’s faithfulness and trust in God. And recall Esther’s and Judith’s courage and trust in God when they faced tremendous odds against their survival, much less victory.

The challenges faced by people in the Old Testament can ring true with us today because people are people through all ages. The temptations of those days have the same sins of pride, anger, lust, envy, gluttony, avarice and sloth present at the core of evil today.

Let’s remember to call for the holy companionship of the faithful people of God who came before, and after, Jesus.