“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Take courage. Even pains that seem without remedy can become steps of spiritual progress. Do not waste affliction: transform it into communion. Turn frequently to the Lord, who observes every detail of your struggle—even when you feel weak, scattered, or overwhelmed. It is He who sends help and transforms your affliction into blessing. Knowing that all this happens under the attentive eyes of the Father should bring peace and steadfastness to endure each trial with meekness and purpose.
This is why the splendid Law of God is so essential for those who wish to mature spiritually. The extraordinary commandments that the Father gave to the prophets of the Old Testament and to Jesus teach us to offer our pain as an act of love and faithfulness. Obedience teaches us to continually lift our hearts, to seek help from above, and to place our joy not in circumstances, but in the fact that we belong to God. This awareness transforms every annoyance into something small compared to the security of having a faithful Friend and an eternal Refuge.
Do not allow anguish to dominate your soul. The Father blesses and sends the obedient to the Son for forgiveness and salvation. May the magnificent commandments of the Lord be the foundation of your consolation. Obedience brings us blessings, deliverance, and salvation—and sets us upon the Rock even amid the storms of life. -Adapted from Francis de Sales. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Faithful and compassionate Lord, teach me to transform my pains into offerings of love before You. May I not flee from the struggle, but remain steadfast, knowing that You are with me.
Guide me with Your splendid commandments. May Your glorious Law help me to lift my heart to You even when I am weary, and may I learn to rest in the fact that I am Yours.
Oh, beloved Lord, I thank You because You are my help, my comfort, and my strength. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law is like a firm shelter in the midst of the storm. Your commandments are like arms that sustain me when everything seems to collapse. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
