Our Near Savior
- Michelle Stepp
- Oct 17, 2024
- 2 min read
“Therefore, when (not if) we face pain in this life, we lean into the presence of our empathetic Savior.”
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
We live in a world broken by sin. Whether it’s suffering through sickness or even suffering brought about by sin, this is a reality none can deny. We have all at some point felt brokenhearted or crushed in spirit. The circumstances may be different in each of our lives, but the brokenness we feel is crushing nonetheless. Yet this verse tells us in those very moments, He is near. When we are lying on the floor, not sure how or when we will get up, He is there. He doesn’t simply stand over us, telling us to get up because we need to pretend everything is okay. He will lie down beside us, grab our hand, and hold us in the midst of our pain. He may encourage us to rise, but He will not ask us to do something He himself won’t empower us to do.
One thing this verse does not promise is that God will take away the hurt of brokenheartedness. However, He does promise to walk with us in our pain. Therefore, when (not if) we face pain in this life, we lean into the presence of our empathetic Savior. We absolutely can ask the Lord to take away our hurt, and we ask in faith that He will. But even if He doesn’t, He is still with us and good. May our prayers mirror those of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they faced the fiery furnace. God can rescue us, we believe He will rescue us, but even if He doesn’t, we will worship Him alone.
Maybe you don’t find yourself feeling brokenhearted today, but you know someone who is. You have the opportunity to minister to them and comfort them with the comfort you’ve received from Christ. Your presence may be the very way Jesus is being near to that hurting person. Do not discount the gift it is to simply be with a person in their pain. You may not have the power to fix anything, but you know the God who can. You can help your friend trust in the one who knows our pain and walks with us through it.
Action Step:
Read Daniel 3:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Written by Michelle, mom of 1