Introduction

Good morning, family. We gather here today, in this sacred space, under the watchful eye of our Father, held in His loving embrace. We are here, together, to find solace, to find peace, to find hope. For life, as we know it, is a tapestry of joy and sorrow, of triumphs and trials, of laughter and tears. And it is in these moments of heartache that we often find ourselves questioning, seeking, yearning for answers.

G.K. Chesterton once said, "Hope is the power of being cheerful in circumstances that we know to be desperate." Desperate times call for desperate measures, they say. But we, as children of God, know that desperate times call for hope, for trust, for peace. And that is what we are here to find today.

Let us turn to the Word of God, to the book of John, specifically John 14:1. It reads,

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me."

These words, spoken by Jesus Himself, are a beacon of light in the darkest night, a soothing balm for the most aching heart. It is a call to trust, a call to peace, a call to hope.

Before we delve deeper into this beautiful verse, let us bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Lord, we come before you today, with hearts heavy with the weight of the world. We seek your guidance, your wisdom, your peace. We ask that you open our hearts and our minds to your Word, that we may find the hope that we so desperately seek. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let’s get started!

Trust in Times of Tragedy

When we encounter tragedy, it can feel as if our world is crumbling around us. The pain can be overwhelming, the sorrow, unbearable. It is in these moments that our faith is truly tested. It is easy to trust when life is going well, when the sun is shining and all is right with the world. But when the storm hits, when the winds of adversity blow, that's when our trust is truly tested. The scripture from John 14:1 is a powerful reminder for us. Jesus tells us not to let our hearts be troubled. He encourages us to believe in God and in Him. This is not a suggestion, but a command. Jesus is urging us to trust, to have faith, even in the face of tragedy.

The nature of trust: Trust is not a feeling, but a choice. It is a decision to rely on God, to believe in His promises, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise. Trusting in God does not mean that we will not experience pain or sorrow. It does not mean that we will not face trials or tribulations. But it does mean that we will not face them alone. God is with us, in the midst of our pain, in the midst of our sorrow. He is our comforter, our healer, our refuge.

The source of our trust: Our trust is not based on our circumstances, but on the character of God. God is faithful. He is loving. He is good. His promises are true. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our circumstances may change, but God does not. Therefore, our trust in Him should not waver, regardless of what we are going through.

The expression of our trust: Trust is not passive, but active. It is not merely a belief, but a way of life. It is expressed through our words, our actions, our attitudes. When we trust in God, we surrender our worries, our fears, our doubts to Him. We choose to rely on His strength, His wisdom, His timing. We choose to follow His lead, to obey His commands, to seek His will.

The outcome of our trust: Trusting in God does not guarantee a life free from pain or sorrow. But it does guarantee a life filled with peace, joy, and hope. When we trust in God, we experience His peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. We experience His joy, a joy that is our strength. We experience His hope, a hope that does not disappoint.

Not easy: It requires faith, courage, and perseverance. But it is the only way to find true peace, joy, and hope. It is the only way to navigate the stormy seas of life. It is the only way to stand firm in the face of adversity. So, let us choose to trust in God, not just in times of peace, but also in times of tragedy. For He is our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Peace in Painful Periods

As we navigate through the tumultuous sea of life, we often find ourselves in the midst of storms ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO