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       As we journey through life, we have our ups and downs. There are moments of joy, exhilaration, and moments of sadness, sorrow, pain and dispair. We encounter problems of various kinds - problems with our studies, with work, problems with our relationships with family and friends, and problems that arise as a result of us giving in to the temptations of this world. All of us undergo trials and tribulations that weigh us down. Does thedarkness of the trials and tribulations we undergo make us so blind that we see no light? Not even a ray of hope? We read about people commiting sucide for reasond ranging from failure in exams and relationships to indulgence in corruption and vice. How do we face the storms in our lives? What is our attitude toward suffering and failure? Is there HOPE?

       Yes, there is hope in the Lord. Is. 40:31 says ' those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and never tire'. Jesus says in Mt. 11:28-30, 'Come to me all you who labour, and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls; for my yoke is easy and my burden light.' 1 Pet. 5:7 says 'Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you'.

       With the bursting of the dot com bubble, the company I was working for decided to close shop in fifteen days, which meant in another 15 days I would be without a job. With the software industry in the midst of a recession, very few jobs were on offer. My colleagues were desperate and frustrated. You could see the anxicty on their faces; many were married and needed to support their families, many had loans to repay. My friend and colleague, Michael, and myself offered this problem to the Lord. We prayed saying, 'Lord, in You we hope and trust. You take control of this situation'. We knew the Lord would never fail. Michael's problem was bigger - he returned from his honeymoon to learn that the company was closing. In the Lord was our hope. In the Lord was our strength. The other colleagues would tell us, 'Guys! How can you be so cool? You are looking so peaceful!' Yes, we cast our burdens upon Jesus - He did not leave us nor forsake us. He gave us rest. Amidst our trials we were at peace. The Lord blessed us with jobs in no time. That's not all, at a time when jobs were being offered with smaller pay packets, we were blessed with larger pay packets. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.

       We all are sinners, we give in to the temptations of this world and sin. The burden of sin may weigh us down, but we must not forget that our God is loving and merciful. Lamentations 3:22-24 says, 'The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercy never come to an end. Thet are new every morning! Great is His faithfulness. The Lord is all I have so I put my faith in Him'. Our merciful God will not stop short of forgiving us if we repent and turn from our wicked ways. The Lord promised Solomon 'If My people who bear My name humble themselves, and pray, and seek my presence, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will listen from Heaven and forgive their sins and restore their country' (2 Chron. 7:14). Today the Lord promises us forgiven sins if we repent and turn from our wicked ways and seek Him. For He is our strength and our shield. With Him as our fotress, we shall stand firm. Amidst the trials and temptations of the world, there is hope in the Lord. So, seek the Lord when in trouble, seek the Lord midst your care, seek the Lord when you're happy, seek Him everywhere.

       Finally, trust in the Lord with all your heart and heed not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.




      Glenn Austin.
      - Holy Ghost Church.



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