People have a tendency to hide the distress they feel in their hearts. We can be sure that God wants us to find the right kind of help. He wants to give us peace of conscience.

Many search for peace elsewhere because sin gives them pleasure and they do not want to give it up. And even though sin deceives and leaves an emptiness in the heart, still there are those who wish to remain deceived. "I don't care about eternity, just as long as I enjoy life here on earth," they may say, even though they already have one foot in the grave and the other on the edge. Such hardening of the heart may be severe, but it is not, however, always final.

There are also always those who in all sincerity ask: "How can I be saved?" God's Law has struck their conscience. They want to be at peace with God. Such people are fortunate, even though their distress and the accusations of their conscience may be unbearable. They are fortunate because they can be helped. Christ has suffered for the sins of all people. "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you" (Acts 13:38).

You, too, dear friend, may believe that your sins have been atoned for and forgiven. All that is troubling you and accusing you; everything in your heart that would keep you from heaven; everything that causes you to feel God's wrath - everything has been atoned for in your behalf. God's Son has died for you. Believe this and eternal life is yours. Do not doubt. Do you find it hard to believe that God is merciful to you? If so, you are not alone. It is hard for everyone. But when God in His Word assures us that He wants all people to be saved, surely you cannot and you must not doubt Him.

In Jesus we have peace. Our sins have been atoned for and forgiven. God has forgotten our whole past miserable life and given us a new life, blessed eternity. A person can know no greater joy than this. You too cling to this life and be happy.