Wednesday July 22,2020

Deuteronomy 31:8

8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

There is a lot of suffering in the world. Sometimes it seems there is more pain than we can bare. And as a person who has the hope of Christ, I often wonder how people without that same hope get through difficult times. Where do people turn when they don’t have a God bigger than their pain? As Christ-followers, I believe God has given us a voice, a response to people who are in pain. There are no perfect words for people who are suffering, but there is the offering of prayer, presence, kindness, compassion, understanding and hope. And often it is simply your presence that offers hope and relief to those in pain. I think Jesus offers us the same.

When we, who call ourselves Christians, feel alone and abandoned, we can have confidence that God never leaves us. As a wise pastor once told me, “There is a reason we saw Jesus suffer so much before his death.” We worship a savior that suffers with us, that stands beside us through good and bad, and says, “I know, I feel your pain, child.” God’s presence, through the actions of people like you and me, can be the best gift when people are in pain. Even when we are far from someone who is struggling, our phone calls, texts, emails, and notes can express our standing with them in the gap, praying for them in the midst of agony. We become the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus when we become present to those in pain. Remember that God is with you, God will not leave you, and God is the first to feel your pain.

Who do you know that you need to reach out to today? Be with them, and remind them that God is with them too.

God, In this messy world around us, there is pain and suffering. We thank you that you are with us, even when we hurt. Help us become a beacon of light and love to those around us. Teach us how to share your love when people need it the most. Make us instruments of your peace and grace. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.