God is with you in Troubles

 This life can be very hard. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Jesus came to give you comfort and peace, but your daily experience is often very different, even if you believe in Jesus.

Shortly before his death, Jesus told his disciples that they should be prepared for serious problems.
 
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jn 16:33 NIV 

Jesus knows that we too will encounter difficulties, but he has sent his Holy Spirit to help us through all our problems.

Are you too young or inexperienced to cope with your situation? God wants to guide you with his wisdom.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Pr 3:5–6 NIV

Are you old and feeling weak? That is not a pleasant feeling, but God wants to encourage and strengthen you.

[God] .. forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Ps 103:3–5 NIV

We often have to resist our natural thoughts and feelings by holding on to God's promises so that we can receive God's peace and strength.

God promised to look after the believing Jews in the Old Testament and he kept his promises. As followers of Jesus, you and I can rely on the same faithful love of God for ourselves.

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; 
Even to your old age I am he; even when you turn grey I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isa 46:3–4 NRSVue

The Never Ending Love of Jesus

• Have you been trying hard to do what God has called you to do?

• Have you sacrificed your time and strength for the people you help?

• Have you prayed with a sincere heart for the people God has given you to care for?

Yet you feel dry inside. The heavenly music that used to encourage you no longer stirs your heart as before. You no longer feel the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit as at other times.

You are fighting an ongoing  battle with problems in your family, in your job, with your health or your finances.

One or two problems would already be a challenge, but in so many areas of life you don't see a clear path, but messes on every side.

As if that wasn't enough, you see a world around you that is overwhelmed by crisis after crisis.  

And you see this not only in the daily news, but also in the high prices at the petrol station, in the supermarket and in the never ending pandemic.  

Sometimes you feel so weighed down that your fresh enthusiasm for God is compromised, though you never give up in your dedication and caring for others.

Jesus sees your daily struggle and his compassion is still a blazing fire. Jesus loves you and his grace is new every morning.

Jesus has a word for you today.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. La 3:22–25 NRSV