The Cross is Our Remedy

March 5, 2026 // Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 

Reflect on the Word //

That’s the truth, I muttered to myself when reading the verse “more tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) As a younger mother, I joked about wishing that my children came with user manuals; how easy it would be if I wasn’t guessing about their troubles but knew with certainty what they needed. I dream about how many arguments could be avoided, how much better I could love my family, how much sorrow I could avoid if I simply understood their hearts.

My longing to understand has resulted in me reading dozens of books, bingeing podcasts, and consulting more-seasoned wives and mothers. When that knowledge doesn’t satisfy, it’s so easy to text a friend, venting about struggles in relationships.

Yet not even the best psychologist or wisest woman can begin to truly understand—or explain—the human heart. As our Creator, God alone knows the hidden workings of hearts. A priest once reminded me to look to Jesus on the Cross, and learn from Him. As the Lord’s words to Jeremiah remind me today, “Blessed is the man who trusts the LORD, whose hope is the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:7). When I renew my trust in the Lord and seek His direction first, I find that He never fails to show me how to love. He is the best teacher of serving others patiently, listening compassionately, and forgiving readily. And when I plant myself beside His stream, His grace flows in and through me. 

We may never understand each other’s hearts fully, sister, and we don’t need to. Looking to Jesus, the Lover of Souls, as our example, we’ll find the remedy to our frustrations. We can place our trust in Him, surrender our hearts to His, and let Him love through us. 

Relate to the Lord // How have you been seeking solutions apart from Jesus? Instead, try turning to Him today when you have a question, frustration, or concern.

About Gina Fensterer

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Gina Fensterer is a wife of 20 years and mother of six children. She is passionate about finding God in the ordinary moments of her vocation. She loves Adoration, praying with Scripture, long morning walks, and fitness. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Read more by her here.