Sometimes the hurt gets to be too much. Sometimes with the weight of the sin and darkness of the world, it actually feels like you’ve shrunk a couple of inches. Sometimes our heart physically aches so bad we feel like we may never come up for air. Y’all ever feel this way?
All I’ve heard for days is heartache. Someone’s body is failing them, people are hurt, or heartbroken, it’s a lot to take in. My best friend is currently sitting in a hospital room with her very sick dad and no one really knows what the outcome will be. This girl and her family are such faithful believers and I know how much they trust and love the Lord, but this is hard. And I know because I’ve been in their position and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. And y’all, my heart aches for them. It aches so bad that they’re all I can think about right now.
And y’all, because of our fallen world, this is what we have to live with. Because sin and death and destruction exist, this is our world. Tonight I was driving home, with tears in my eyes, longing for Jesus to come and take all of this hurt away. I’ve watched one too many people get hurt, get sick, have their heart broken, or pass away. Tonight more than ever, I longed for Jesus to come and wipe away every tear and make everything new.
But when it hurts more than we can bear, when we fall to our knees in defeat, tears streaming down our face, we have someone to catch us and bring us back to our feet. When we can’t see the light of day, Jesus is there with wide open arms to comfort, lead, and guide us in whatever we are facing. And y’all, I find so much comfort in this. Especially today when all I see is heartache, I can still find Jesus in even the smallest of things.
As I sat in a hospital waiting room with my best friend, listening to her talk and knowing her hurt, I was able to look over and see the sweet little boy I nanny, with his bright blue eyes, toothy grin, and a giggle that you just can’t help but laugh along with. I looked over at this little boy who only sees the wonder of the world. He gasps and claps when he sees leaves, he yells and smiles when he sees rain, and he runs as fast as his chubby legs will let him to get in the rain. He doesn’t see hurt, death, and destruction. He sees amazement, goodness, and beauty.
And it’s got me thinking today, that there is always a way that Jesus shows us that He’s still with us. Sometimes it’s through the laugh of a little one you love, sometimes it’s a friend surprising you with coffee, sometimes it’s the sunrise, others it’s the sunset. Friends, Jesus is present in every aspect of our lives. Sometimes we’ll see Him in the big things and sometimes we’ll have to look for Him, but He is always there.
Wherever you are today, whatever you’re going through, please remember that Jesus is right there. Even when it doesn’t seem like it, even when it hurts, even when it feels like you’re drowning. Jesus promised to never leave or forsake us. He promised to be there in every high, every low, every storm, or any weather. Friends, look for Him today. Even if you have to ask Him to show Himself to you in one way or another, look for Him. And keep hoping and praying for the day when He will come to wipe away every tear from our eyes, make our broken hearts whole, and make all things new.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 ESV
Beauty in the Ashes 