Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me (John 14:1).

Because of the weakness of the human frame, the troubled heart has always been a part of mans existence on this side of eternity. Now, all of us know that as children of God, we rejoice and we are thankful for all the abundant blessings God bestows upon us each day of our lives (Philippians 4:4; Colossians 3:15). We also are painfully aware that sometimes even though so greatly blessed, some tremendous burden will come crashing down upon our shoulders causing our lives to be filled with pain and anguish that sore troubles us. It is in those moments that the words of our Lord from John 14 become so meaningful. They are words that will guide us safely through any trial imposed upon us in this earthly sojourn. Listen intently as Jesus continues: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (vs. 2-3).

O to be sure, there are going to be those times when we will become weary, our steps slow and our shoulders stooped because of a burden we must bear. Thanks be to God. we don't have to bear that burden alone. I am convinced that Jesus sees us, that he knows our every need and that he is touched because he cares, he cares (1 Pet.5:7). Every day God thinks about us (psalms 68:19). Every hour God looks after us (Psalms 46:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:3). Every minute God cares for us (1 Peter 5:17; Psalms 116:1-6). Every second God loves us (Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:35). There is absolutely no burden that ever troubles our heart that he did not face during his sojourn on this earth (Hebrews 4:13-15). Because of this he can bind up all our wounds and heal our broken hearts whatever the cause may be (Hebrews 4:16; Philippians 4:6-7; Psalms 40:17, 55:22; Isaiah 40:35).

Yes, sometimes the path we must travel will be rough and burdens will press down heavily upon us but so long as we hold on to the nail scarred hand of our Savior, he will keep us safe on our journey and one day we will gain the greatest victory imaginable (1 Corinthians 15:52-57). What a glorious thought to cheer us as we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Charles Hicks