I sat in my chair and wept.

For days, all I had heard was hard news.  Tyranny and human oppression globally, polarizing political agendas nationally, natural catastrophes regionally, and vaccination tensions locally. 

That was heavy enough, but then there were also the personal stories.  Precious people I know who are struggling in their marriages, navigating the challenges of kids who won’t listen, or dealing with the heartbreak of tragic loss, sickness, or death in their lives.

On this particular morning, all I could do was cry. 

God saw all the needs.  He knew all the hurts.  He understood all the pain.

Just days before He was hung on a cross, Jesus comforted His disciples with these words, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)

Heartbreak, tragedy, and suffering is nothing new.  These things have been with us since the fall of man.

Being overwhelmed with grief as we weep with those who weep is Scriptural (Romans 12:15), but it’s also true that if we don’t keep our eyes on Jesus, we’ll be tempted to lose heart altogether and spin off into some very dark places.

In the midst of all the chaos, despair, and pain, He’s our only hope.  He is the only possibility of true joy in such a broken world. 

The author of Hebrews knew this and tells us to, “…lay aside every hindrance (weight, burden) and the sin that so easily ensnares us.  Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2 HCSB) 

God knew we would need this simple reminder.  In a world fraught with dismal circumstances, bad news, and spiritual opposition, it is critical that we learn to keep our eyes on Jesus.

If anyone can sit with you in your heartbreak, it’s Him.  If anyone can understand the depths of your pain, it’s Him.  If anyone can comfort you on the deepest of levels, it’s Him.

I don’t know what form of suffering you’re navigating right now, dear friend, but I pray that God will help you fix your eyes on Jesus and be reminded of just how much He loves you and cares for you today.

“God assured us, ‘I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you’…” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!