William Wordsworth wrote, "The world is too much with us." He meant that too often we get caught up in the world's mad rush and fail to appreciate God's creation. But it's also easy to feel that the world is too much with us when we see people suffer for their faith in God.

The world is too much with us when we read the tragic story of a missionary family in India devastated by the murder of the father and two sons at the hands of people who hate Christians. And this world can overwhelm us when we think of the three missionary families in Colombia whose fathers and husbands were kidnapped and held for years. Added to these stories could be your own account of unjust treatment because of your faith. It happens in every country of the world.

Despite these sad situations, though, we have hope. We have the hope that comes from being God's children (Rom. 8:16-17). We can call our Creator, "Abba, Father" (v.15). We have His promise of future glory—a glory that far overshadows "the sufferings of this present time" (v.18).

Are the burdens of this world too much with you? Look to your heavenly Father. He lovingly offers help and hope to His struggling children.  — Dave Branon