By Evangelist John BJ Hall
Years ago, there was a comedy, variety, show that we watched. Hee-Haw was a hilarious diversion from the workaday world. One of my favorite parts of the show was the song that said, “Gloom, despair, and agony on me. Deep dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me.”
The problem in life is when it’s not funny anymore. When the gloom, despair, and agony are real, where do we turn?
Headlines speak can strike fear into the hearts of men. We read of the devastation resulting from Hurricane Harvey in Texas. It is heartening to see the reaction of the people of Louisiana and Texas. We have seen what is now called The Cajun Navy and the Southeast Texas Navy giving of themselves to help their neighbors in need. Our Vice President and his wife were seen working shoulder to shoulder with recovery workers. We have seen the work of the men and women of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and many other organizations as they dedicate time and energy to helping those affected by this unprecedented storm.
But there are other disasters in life that do not see such outpouring of compassion. People of all stations in life struggle with cancer, diabetes, heart-failure, and other devastating health problems. So many have no idea where to turn for help.
Those with depression and other mood disorders often suffer in silence, afraid that if they allow others to know that they will be looked down upon and judged. Alcohol and drug abuse plague many in our world. Broken homes and abandoned or abused children are rampant.
Two of my long time friends, who happen to be pastors, are constantly dealing with the harsh reality of cancer in their bodies. You see, Christian people, even those in ministry, are not exempt from the struggles of life.
Where do we turn? How do we deal with heartache and tragedy? When a young couple vows to give their undying love “in sickness as in health, in poverty as in wealth,” they have no idea what lies ahead of them. They believe that love will be all they need.
In reality what they need is more than the good feeling of love. They need to learn to lean not only on one another but on God. If their home is not built on the solid foundation of faith in Christ they have a recipe for disaster.
Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?”
The Psalmist also said in Psalm 56:4 “In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?”
So the answer is to turn to Jesus. But you must begin by trusting in Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. Without that, your trust is in vain. So come to Him today. Open your heart. Let Him take residence there. You will never regret it.
Where Do I Turn?
Troubles come on every side
They rise and fall just like a tide.
Seems no matter where I turn
Troubled waters rip and churn.
I am deserted and alone,
Like a piece of trash that’s thrown.
There’s no peace, there’s no hope,
I’m at the end of my own rope.
Where do I turn, where can I go?
Who will hope, to thislife show?
I’ll turn to Jesus, He’s the one
He’ll shine His light, bright as the sun.
I turn to Him. What do I find?
He’s been right there, all of the time.
He always knew the hope I need
As before God’s throne, He stood to plead.
And now I know that there is joy
To overcome the Devil’s ploy.
I’ll turn to Jesus, He’s my friend.
He’ll be beside me to the end.
© Copyright 1995 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
For permission to use this poem contact Passages Ministries.