In times of trouble, it’s easy to focus on our surroundings and begin to sink, like Peter did when he began walking towards Jesus, or even worse refuse to trust God with our lives like the other eleven who never got out of the boat. If Jesus is our Good Shepherd, then we (as His sheep) should be willing and eager to listen to and follow His voice, no matter where He chooses to lead us. We should do so because we know Him and how much He cares for us; God is the one Person we never need doubt.
Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker and author of The Hiding Place, faced and overcame the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps because of her faith in God and encouragement from her older sister. She passed on several words of wisdom, two of which I will share with you:
1. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
2. “If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.”
As I listened to the message on Sunday, the lyrics to a classic children’s song came to mind: “I cast all my cares upon You; I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet, and anytime I don’t know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You.” Let us never forget the fantastic opportunity laid before us – to enter God’s throne room, approach our Heavenly Father, and lay our requests/burdens at His feet, knowing that He will replace them with His love, joy, and peace.
Here are some verses to remember and be encouraged with whenever you are facing trial, tribulation, or trouble of an everyday sort:
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7