Read: John 11:35, Psalm 34:18
Last week, I lost a good friend—someone who was more like family. I’ve always been a little trepidatious about stepping into moments of loss, worried I might say the wrong thing and make things worse. But this time, I was the one who was mourning. As difficult as it was, I have to admit the most healing thing for me was simply being with the family. We didn’t exchange many words; we were just together, grieving, and it was enough. There’s something profoundly comforting about shared sorrow, about knowing someone else is willing to sit with you in the pain.
This is the heart of Jesus. At the tomb of Lazarus, even though He knew He was about to raise His friend from the dead, Jesus wept. He didn’t rush past the grief of Mary and Martha, nor did He try to explain their pain away. Instead, He entered fully into their sorrow, demonstrating that God is not emotionally detached but deeply involved in our suffering.
God’s heart breaks for the brokenness of the world. When we are crushed under the weight of our circumstances, He is near, collecting every tear and holding us close. The Bible tells us He is “close to the brokenhearted” and saves those who are crushed in spirit. This is not a God who watches from a distance but one who walks through the valley with us. He weeps when we weep and rejoices when we rejoice.
If you’ve ever felt alone in your grief, know this: God is with you. He doesn’t just see your pain; He enters into it. He sits with you, mourns with you, and offers a peace that goes beyond words. His presence is the ultimate healing balm for our broken hearts.
Reflection Questions:
- How does knowing God shares in your sorrow bring you comfort?
- When was the last time you experienced God’s presence in your pain?
- How can you reflect God’s compassion to someone hurting around you?