God is Deeply in Love with Us!
The more I am crucified, the more I rejoice. – St. Bernadette
It is likely we will not be crucified, literally hung on a tree, as Christ was. Yet, we have known and will know suffering this side of heaven.
We are living in a time of great suffering…doctors, nurses, and other health care workers are pushed to the point of exhaustion; family members can’t be at the bedside of a loved one struggling with an illness; people are concerned about their jobs, feeding their family members, wondering what their financial future will look like, and the list goes on.
The fact is, God is with us. Jesus knows of our suffering. In John’s gospel, we hear the beautiful phrase, “And Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Jesus knew that God would be glorified through the raising of Lazarus. So why did Jesus weep? Maybe because He hadn’t gotten there in time to save His friend? Maybe because He could see and feel the sorrow and worry in the eyes of His friends? And maybe Jesus wept to give us permission to be sad when things are hard, confusing, and uncertain?
And what did Jesus do next? “…Jesus raised His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me…’” (John 11:41-42) Jesus expressed gratitude and faith, thanking God for listening and trusting what God was going to do. The result of Jesus gratitude, prayer, and faith was great joy when Lazarus came out! Picture that scene for a minute. Put yourself in it. Feel the indescribable joy they all must have experienced.
Suffering can bring rejoicing. We must let ourselves feel the pain and sorrow, cry our tears, trust that our good God is in it with us, trust that He hears our every plea, and listen for His answer with an expectant, grateful heart. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)
Jesus, I trust in you.
©Mary V. Pribbenow