“Are we weak and heavy laden? Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.” You may recognize these words from one of my favorite hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

You know, many people today are carrying a heavy load. Painful relationships. Broken hearts. Disappointments. Guilt. If that’s you, turn to Jesus right now. Not tomorrow, not this Sunday – now! Take your struggles to Him in prayer. Jesus Christ is a faithful friend who wants to listen to your troubles and the pain of your heart and give you comfort.

The Psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…”

I lived in a very dangerous country with my wife and three of our boys when we were missionaries.  And we received threats quite often.  My wife and boys were left alone because I traveled a lot.  I simply prayed and trusted every time a thought of fear crept into my heart.  I would turn it to the Lord and pray to the Lord.  “The angel of the Lord,” it says, “encamps around those who fear Him” and he protects them and defends them.

Share the Good News of our loving Savior with a hurting friend today.  You never know – you may lead them to faith in Jesus Christ.  And there’s no greater joy than that.

This is Luis Palau.