Heart Trouble

              Hospital Room (“Krankenzimmer”), Photo by Tomasz Sienicki (“tsca”)

We do not use the term “heart trouble” much anymore. We discuss cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis knowledgeably. We can tell the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol. We know the signs of a heart attack.

Though we may talk about it less, heart trouble continues to be a factor in our lives. Its symptoms include helplessness in the face of overwhelming illness; worry over a lost job, past-due mortgage or backlogged medical expenses; that clutching sensation in the chest accompanying fear for a loved one’s safety.

Heart trouble changes our view of the world, making clear how little control we actually have over our lives. There is, however, Someone in control of events.

“ ‘Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid’ ” (John 14: 27).

Lord Jesus, we come to You troubled and dismayed. Evil winds blow across the globe. We see chaos and corruption around us. Our own lives are at times in disarray. You are the Prince of Peace. Give us once more the precious gift of Your peace, a peace that passes all understanding.

Strengthen our hearts, Lord. Renew our spirits that we may do the work You have assigned us.

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed