When You Are Troubled

Our dog, Jack, often gets thirsty when we’re out walking, especially when he’s been playing ball or having a fun rough and tumble with another dog or chasing squirrels. It’s so sweet when he comes to me with expectant eyes, running his tongue over his lips to let me know he’s thirsty. I stop and take out a bottle of water and little bowl I carry with me in his dog pouch. He drinks until his thirst is quenched, and then he’s off on another playful adventure, knowing if thirst comes again, I will happily give him his needed water. It’s the same in our spiritual worlds.

You and I get very busy just in daily routines. So often we seem to be running about — taking kids to school, getting to work on time, doing the grocery shopping, fulfilling church commitments, etc. We can be running about, doing necessary and good things, but getting ever so thirsty for a bit of rest and peace in the process. What a comfort to know that just as Jack comes to me, knowing without doubt that I will satisfy his needs, you and I may do the same with our Heavenly Father.

When we are physically tired, emotionally drained, worn down by troubles, heartbroken in grief, or worried about our tomorrows, we may come to our loving Father who absolutely adores us. Gladly He quenches our thirst for inner peace and physical strength to carrry on. In the greatest of joy He imparts His own peace into our weary hearts and minds. With love beyond measure He holds us close as we cry tears of sorrow. So loving and caring is He, that our tears are precious to Him as we are reminded in Psalm 56:8, You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book (NLT).

Many reading this today will be exhausted with troubles and bent low with grief. I encourage you, don’t sit swamped in your pain; tell Jesus you’re thirsty for help. Speedily it will come. Such is His great love for you.