“…God knows your hearts…” Luke 16:15

Our glass shower door is sometimes my best window into the hearts of my family. Emotions and feelings have a way of coming out as our minds wander in the steamy comfort and relative safety of our shower. When I find math facts in my daughter’s writing instead of her usual flowers and butterflies, I know she’s concerned about school. If the math is in Jim’s handwriting, I know budget and finances are on his mind. When it’s a drawing from my son, I see he’s trying to practice restraint – usually his imaginary explosions involve our shampoo and soap going down the drain.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a window into their souls to know the depths of their emotions and struggles. Nor can they see mine. It’s that way for all of us. We are never able to completely express to another person what is in our heart. Sometimes it leads us to be frustrated or angry. At other times, it causes us to be sad and lonely. And we’ve all had those days where we don’t even know what’s going on in our heart!

But it’s not true that no one knows our hearts. The Lord knows. He knows the truth of who we are and what we feel. We are never alone in our pain, doubts, struggles, loneliness, or frustrations.  We have a true friend who loves us deeply. He sees us where we are and He offers us hope and comfort. He offers us peace in the struggle and joy in the depression. He longs for us to draw near to Him so He can comfort us.

His comfort is always available. His arms are always open and He is always ready to provide exactly what you need.  But He leaves the choice up to you.  Will continue on in your own battle, losing against the darkness in your heart, or draw near to Him and accept His comfort?

This life is hard. The days are tough. You do not have to go it alone.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33