By Paul Kurts
We all face situations that are so serious that we can become consumed by them.
The illness of a loved one. Drug, alcohol or substance abuse by a son or daughter. Family members in long-term hospital care. Invalid or severely disabled loved ones. Job problems and unemployment. Mental illness. Traffic casualties. Untimely death. The list is endless.
Where do you go to get help and strength in situations such as these?
God does not intend for his children to be consumed by their difficulties. God is a god of love, and he loves all of his creation equally.
He knows our frame. He knows we all face situations that appear to be without solution. He offers his strength and help. In Psalm 55:22, God tells us to "cast [our] burden on the Lord."
Jesus Christ comforts us in Matthew 11:28-30 with the words: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Jesus Christ came to this earth to save us from sin and death. But he also offers abundant life now (John 10:10). In giving us that life now, he offers us the comfort and peace that can only come from him.
In John 14:27, Jesus tells us, "My peace I give to you!"
No one escapes trials and troubles. Some of these troubles can consume us if we humanly try to fight our own battles.
Jesus Christ offers his all-powerful help in our distressing times of crisis. All we need do is call on him. He wants us to call. He is ever ready to give the comfort, peace and joy that come from the Comforter.
Jesus suffered undeservedly in our stead. Yes, we will always be concerned, we can't help but be. But we don't ever have to be consumed by our circumstances.
" I have told you these things that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
He overcame it for you and me. Let us take our situations to Jesus and give them to him. He is waiting for you and me to do just that.
Paul Kurts pastors the Huntsville and Fort Payne, Alabama, churches. When he pastored the Gadsden, Alabama, church, he was a frequent contributor to the Gadsden Times.
Sept. 16, 1997, WN, page four
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