“I feel your pain.” “I know exactly how you feel!”
Really…. Really?
How often have you heard these words from others around you? Are they occasionally true? Maybe. Are they ever completely true? Probably not. How can another truly know the pain that you are experiencing?
Are these phrases as meaningful as telling a child that “this hurts me as much as it hurts you” just before applying the hand of justice to the seat of understanding?
We, all of us, long for someone to understand just how we feel when faced with sorrow, grief, pain, anger, and disappointment in our lives. We share these things with those around us only to realize that we can’t quite get others to truly get it. Somehow, because they see things differently, maybe due to background, personality, or a thousand other factors, they just don’t fully understand it.
In all their distress he too was distressed,
There is One who can. There is One who knows us so well that He can truly understand. There is One who knows exactly how we tick. Why? Because he made us! Because we are part of Him! Jesus the Son who created us, who lived with us, who died with us. And His Father, our Father. And His Spirit.
Just like a human parent agonizing over the pain of a child, aching to take her place, so our God feels our every pain, longing to take it from us.
I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, “Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me”; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:7-9 NIV
Jesus, You know what’s bothering me this morning. You feel my discouragement, You understand my anger. You share my pain. Thank You for always being right here. Thank You for always being ready for me to unload on You. Thank You for shouldering my burdens, leaving only peace behind in their place.
thans for great sharing