The Lord sees your weariness in the struggle, and He draws near to the tired heart. You cry out for peace, for an end to the gnawing of anxiety, and this is right, for our Savior’s own word is, do not be anxious about your temporal affairs. The very fretfulness that arises from your difficulty unfits you to meet that difficulty, and the restless mind brings war where there might be peace.
Peace! Perfect peace! Is it possible in this dark world of sin? Yes, for the blood of Jesus whispers peace within. You know this secret, for you speak of His goodness even while your faith is tested. That ache within, that longing to be free of worry, is not a mark of unbelief, it is faith crying out, “Lord, increase my faith.” He who asks for faith must have some faith, or he would not ask at all. The weakest faith is real faith, the gift of God, born from above; it may be little, but it is faith, and the least faith in Jesus can work wonders.
You confess your faith is being tested. Hear the ancient Word: “He knows the way that I take: when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Think of brave souls who endured the refining fires, their ship was substantial, their anchor held fast through every driving mist. Real gold is not afraid of the fire; what has it to lose? When the Lord tests you, it is that your faith, more precious than gold, may be purified, not consumed. The very anxiety that rises from a sense of weakness can drive you to the bosom where nothing but calm is found. With sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom, peace is a present possession.
So bring your tired heart and say, “Lord, I need You! Renew my peace, for I am troubled, but You are unmoved.” This is the cry of true faith, which begins and ends with Jesus. Faith is the shield above all, quenching every fiery dart of the wicked one, even the dart of overwhelming care. Yet remember, a faith that saves is not one that merely nods at doctrines while the soul rolls in troubled mire. If you take Christ’s shield, you must also heed His voice: “Come unto Me.” Little faith obeys that one word. It does not lie still in the storm; it looks to the Master’s bidding. You have trusted Him for your soul’s salvation, do not now refuse to trust Him for your daily cares. “In Jesus’ keeping we are safe,” and all that concerns us are safe with Him.
Cast yourself upon Him. That is the very pith and essence of faith, dropping down into the strong arms of the Son of God. Cease from the vain labor of carrying your own burdens. Bear your sorrow with Him, lay every anxious thought at His pierced feet, and you shall find the peace which passes understanding. The Lord will bless His people with peace, not the false peace of a stilled conscience while the heart is in rebellion, but the deep, unalloyed blessing of knowing you are loved, forgiven, kept. He is good, and His goodness does not waver with your feelings. The testing will end, but His faithfulness will endure. Therefore be not afraid; only believe. On, then, taking the shield of faith, and the God of peace shall give you rest.