Troubled Hearts

Today I awoke and noticed a beautiful sunrise.  This in itself gave me hope that all is well, and my world is untouched.  But, this thought gave me a moment of pause and I wondered, what about those who woke up and found that someone in their family was hurt or dying, or their world had been turned upside down in some way?  Does the sunrise have the same meaning for them that it did for me this morning, obviously not? 

We constantly desire that life, which is so fragile, continue each day the way that it has all the days before.  But, for some of us on this day, it will not be the case.  Life’s unexpected circumstances at times do not fall into place, and we are left with many unexplained hardships that leave us with no adequate answers to meet the challenges that lie before us.  Where do we then find that place of solace that we so desperately seek?  The sunrise that gave us so much peace and joy yesterday, now somehow echoes an empty promise that the day will go well.  What do we do then?

When King Saul, a king who wanted to kill David, was pursuing him,

David found himself overwhelmed by the sheer necessity in just staying alive.  Feeling overcome by circumstances, David learned through these hardships that his solace was to be found in his God.  “The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.  In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.  From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.  . . .  You have made known to me the path of life. . .” Psalms 18

David realized that he could not rely on the everyday elements around him to give him comfort, peace and protection that he so desired.  He knew that his faith was the key to getting through these hard times, even when circumstances denied this peace that he so craved.  We do not know why hardships enter our lives at times, God doesn’t always tell us the reasons why.  His will is that we trust in him during these times of darkness.  In Romans 8:28 Paul tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  We at times cannot see the “good” that Paul talks about but, during these moments, we must walk by faith, a faith that goes beyond our desire for answers.  In time though, like the blossoms of spring, we eventually will see the fruits of his promises come forth.  By trusting him today, we will experience this inner peace that passes all understanding.  Jesus tells his disciples who were suffering, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

May Jesus our Savior surround you this day with his love and peace.