Chrysostom
Beloved of All
The heaviness that has settled upon your soul is no stranger to the faithful, but you must not let it drive you to despair. Consider the words of the Lord: “I leave peace with you, my peace I give unto you.” This is not the peace of the world, which vanishes with every change of circumstance. The peace of Christ is an inward bulwark, rendering you stronger even while outward troubles persist. Do not, then, seek first the removal of all difficulty, but seek that peace which reconciles you to God and fortifies the heart.
You ask for prayer, and rightly so. Recall how the Apostle, out of tender concern, invoked mercy upon his own son in the faith, and went so far as to prescribe bodily care: “Use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake, and thine often infirmities.” God knows the composition of our frame, and mercy is not a distant hope but a present medicine for those who are bruised in both body and soul. Do not neglect the needs of the body, yet trust above all in the mercy that heals the wounded spirit.
The source of your anxiety and gloom is not merely flesh and blood. The God of peace has promised that He will bruise Satan under your feet shortly. This is your consolation: the battle is not endless, and the victory is already assigned to those who hope in Christ. Only cling to Him, and the adversary will be trodden down.
Let this trial become an occasion to listen more intently for the Bridegroom’s voice. He who stands and hears the Word of God rejoices greatly, for faith comes by hearing. In Scripture, you will find the living voice that weds the soul to Christ. When your own thoughts assail you, let that voice speak louder.
And do not imagine that your affliction is without purpose. Often the Lord permits infirmity so that, when He restores a soul, the healing may reach others as well. Your own deliverance, if you persevere, will become a testimony that confirms the weak and silences the scoffers.
Put no confidence in the shifting comforts of this world or in your own strength; these are uncertain riches. Hope entirely in God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In time, He will send relief more diligently than any human friend, for He knows how to free the heaviness of those He loves.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
You ask for prayer, and rightly so. Recall how the Apostle, out of tender concern, invoked mercy upon his own son in the faith, and went so far as to prescribe bodily care: “Use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake, and thine often infirmities.” God knows the composition of our frame, and mercy is not a distant hope but a present medicine for those who are bruised in both body and soul. Do not neglect the needs of the body, yet trust above all in the mercy that heals the wounded spirit.
The source of your anxiety and gloom is not merely flesh and blood. The God of peace has promised that He will bruise Satan under your feet shortly. This is your consolation: the battle is not endless, and the victory is already assigned to those who hope in Christ. Only cling to Him, and the adversary will be trodden down.
Let this trial become an occasion to listen more intently for the Bridegroom’s voice. He who stands and hears the Word of God rejoices greatly, for faith comes by hearing. In Scripture, you will find the living voice that weds the soul to Christ. When your own thoughts assail you, let that voice speak louder.
And do not imagine that your affliction is without purpose. Often the Lord permits infirmity so that, when He restores a soul, the healing may reach others as well. Your own deliverance, if you persevere, will become a testimony that confirms the weak and silences the scoffers.
Put no confidence in the shifting comforts of this world or in your own strength; these are uncertain riches. Hope entirely in God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In time, He will send relief more diligently than any human friend, for He knows how to free the heaviness of those He loves.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
