Open A Print Ready Copy

Encouraging a Troubled Heart

by Charles Stanley

John 14: 16

When times are good, being a friend is easy. However, when life becomes a struggle, only genuine friends stay close by. It takes sacrifice and true, deep love to be a friend to someone who is hurting and in need.

Sometimes friends may become “scarce” because they do not know how to console us, or because our circumstances seem overwhelming to them. But God is not like that. He is the best friend we’ll ever have, and He reassures us of His presence by promising, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). By His nature, He is a comforter, standing by us and encouraging us through every dark valley we traverse.

The Lord never told us we’d have “smooth sailing” in this world. Quite the contrary, Jesus told us to expect storms: “In the world you have tribulation,” He said. Then He added a word of encouragement: “But take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Staying close to Him in our times of trouble is the way to victorious survival.

Be assured that the Lord never wastes our pain or suffering; He allows them for a reason. If you are facing a difficulty or crisis, ask God to reveal His purpose for it. Then cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). And remember to lean upon the Lord because He does not want you to face your trial alone.