When you feel lost in the wilderness and frightened by all the voices of doom. Listen to Jesus.

When you cringe while listening to the bomb blasts and watching the news. Listen to Jesus.

When you can’t tell who is telling the truth, who is lying, and who is just confused. Listen to Jesus.

When you are afraid. Listen to Jesus.

When your gods you once thought would last forever fall. Listen to Jesus.

When your confidence and security are deeply shaken. Listen to Jesus.

When the promises of politicians and self help gurus fail. Listen to Jesus.

When you realize that you are not so innocent yourself. Listen to Jesus.

When the Devil lies and shoves your shame in front of your face. Listen to Jesus.

When you are tired, weak, and heavy laden. Listen to Jesus.

When you stand before the grave. Listen to Jesus.

To the guilty, Jesus says, “You are forgiven.”

To the dying, Jesus says, “I will raise you up on the Last Day.”

To the afraid, Jesus says, “I am with you until the end of the age.”

These are not empty words or vain promises. He backs them up with something greater than gold or the world’s greatest military. He backs His words up with His very own life which He laid down on the cross for you. He backs them up by rising from the dead Himself. He means what He says. He will follow through. 

This Lent, as we walk through this wilderness, let us learn to listen to Jesus above all other voices. I pray so earnestly that you may hear Him and find peace, hope, joy, and life now and forever.