In times of trouble and suffering, prayer is a welcome refuge. Our Lord Jesus Christ says to us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Another meaningful passage in times of trouble is from St. John’s Gospel (14:27): “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Before he was martyred for the Faith, during his imprisonment, St. Thomas More wrote to his daughter: “I will not mistrust Him, Meg, although I shall feel myself weakening and on the verge of being overcome with fear. I shall remember how St. Peter at a blast of wind began to sink because of his lack of faith, and I shall do as he did: call upon Christ and pray to Him for help. And then I trust He shall place His holy hand on me and in the stormy seas hold me up from drowning.”

The Lord wants us to call upon him in time of trouble. Psalm 50:15-15 says: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Jesus’ love is greater than whatever troubles us. We can have total confidence in Him, knowing that He sees the bigger picture, that He has our best interests at heart. 

We can pray to the Holy Spirit for light to navigate through the troubled situations in our lives. Come, Holy Spirit! (Adapted)