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10 Lutheran Life ADVERTISEMENT YOU'RE IN TROUBLE There are truckloads of trouble these days. Many folks are at the end of their rope. Nearly every baptized believer in Christ knows someone who doesn't go to church anymore. It seems I can't watch a few minutes of the news without getting dumped on with a load of peril, fret, and heartbreak. What can I do about it? Our Lord has an answer, a promise for you: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." (Psalm 50:15 ESV) In one sense, praying comes naturally to us; Every baby cries. How else can a baby let mom know he's hungry, wet, or wants to be held? Yet on the other hand, it is often difficult to pray. Why? Because Satan wants us to think we're alone, that no one's listening, or that we can handle it all on our own. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. You're not alone. When Jesus knocked Paul off his high horse, He said to him, "Why are you persecuting Me?" Paul (then Saul) didn't appear to be attacking Jesus; he was going after Christians. But catch what Jesus was telling us: what happens to you, dear Christian, happens to me. Jesus bears it with you. "I am with you always to the end of the age." You're not alone. Your heavenly Father is listening. Sadly, there are times when my children talk to me but I'm distracted and don't hear a word. But our Father—who loves you, gave His Son to save you, and sent the Holy Spirit to make you His own child—hears your every cry. Your Father delights to hear you, for He cares for you. "Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you". You are heard. We always need help, but we often live under the illusion that we can handle everything ourselves. The troubles that surround me actually benefit me—they drive me to Jesus, our High Priest who is always inter- ceding for me. Catch these beautiful words: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15–16 ESV) What freedom! We get to come before the Ruler of the cosmos with confidence. Enjoy this boundless privi- lege. Know of someone who appears to have turned away from the Lord? Tell your gracious God about this wayward one. I find it helpful to think of the paralytic lowered before Jesus in the crowded house. When I'm receiving Jesus' Body and Blood for my forgiveness, I often "drop" the names of those I'm worried about, like the friends lowered their paralyzed buddy. Those friends didn't say anything. They just lowered their friend to Jesus in a visible prayer. Concerned about our country, distressed about the news? Cry out to your Lord: "Lord, have mercy!" And while you're talking to our Lord, consider praying for your congregation, for your pastor and his family, and for all the dear ones in your life. Like you, they all need the Lord's help in trouble. You're in trouble, but you're also in the boundless care of our Lord. "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." w Pastor David Fleming is Executive Director for Spiritual Care for DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel. DOXOLOGY is here to strengthen your pastor and your congregation in these gray and latter days. You can find helpful resources and information about our unique program of advanced training in pastoral care at www.doxology.us.

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