Jesus told us in no uncertain terms that we would have troubles in this world. Yet, as is typically the case when Christ gives us bad news, He couples it with Good News that far outweighs the bad.

“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.” – John 16:33 (NIV, bold and italics mine)

Of particular note to those of us who need encouragement is the fact that Christ defeated the “evil one” at the cross. Christ died for our sins, so that we would no longer stand accused because of our sin. In short, Christ took our shame away.

I know it’s hard to think of spiritual things when you’re hurting so much in the here and now. That being said, if you are troubled about things that are going on in your life right now, just remember what Jesus did at the cross, and know that you have a Savior who loves you so much He died for you.

And, Jesus desperately wants to have a relationship with you, so He can ease your sorrow:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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.” – Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

Want to know more? A good place to start would be to read the individual study guide at WayofChrist.info – it’s free, and it will help you understand more about Jesus and what salvation in Christ really means.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

I love this Psalm because it offers us a promise, and also tells us something about God.

In verse 18, we’re told that God is watching over those who fear Him and who place their hope in His love.

Then, in verse 20, we’re told to “wait in hope”. Sometimes, I think waiting for God to move is the hardest thing to do when you’re hurting and afraid. We tend to want to be delivered from whatever pain or heartache we’re dealing with right away; the thing is, it’s often in the midst of that pain that the love of God is revealed.

Yes, learning to wait patiently on the Lord during our time of need is difficult… but through doing so we can also learn more about God’s love for us than we ever thought possible.