Deeply Loved: A 5-Day Devotional to Feel Seen & Known by GodNäide

Day #4: Meeting Jesus in Suffering

Where is God when you are hurting or struggling? At times, it may seem like he's in a galaxy far, far away.

During situations of pain and confusion, you may feel that:

Your prayers aren't reaching God.

You’re not trying hard enough.

Maybe you're being punished.

Yet the truth is that you are not alone—Jesus sees you and is caring for you. You can learn to attune to Jesus' loving presence with you.

I (Bill) have enjoyed studying and meditating on the Sermon on the Mount for many years. Rabbi Jesus gives us the key to living in the Kingdom of God as someone who is deeply loved when he teaches us the meaning of the beatitudes, which introduce his message (Matthew 5:1-12).

Many have misinterpreted the beatitudes as instructions to become an ideal Christian in order to receive God's blessings (e.g., "Be poor in spirit"). But Jesus isn't telling us to try harder. He’s describing different personal difficulties and then empathizes with our experiences and emotions.

How does Jesus give you empathy in the beatitudes? How does he show you that truly you are deeply loved by God?

In his sermon, he’s talking with people who are sick, suffering, or emotionally broken and inviting them into his community of disciples (Matthew 4:24).

The Greek word for "blessed" that starts each of Jesus' eight beatitudes can be translated as "Happy are you…Happy are you…Happy are you…" (Matthew 5:3-10).

The Good Shepherd's beatitudes appeal to emotional well-being despite difficult circumstances. Jesus is inviting us to experience God’s loving presence during our difficulties.

Take Jesus' invitation to those who are merciful as an example. It can sometimes feel burdensome or exhausting to carry the broken heart of Christ for hurting people who need his mercy. Yet Jesus offers a deeper experience of his mercy to the giver by saying something like: "Blessed are those who absorb the pain of others because they can discover that God is always empathetic to them, spilling over with endless mercies and loving kindness" (Matthew 5:7, author's paraphrase).

If you have a sensitive heart of mercy that carries other people’s hurts, you can draw nourishment from the tender heart of your Savior.

If you feel that you are lacking spiritual knowledge or gifts, you can join Jesus in the Father's grace-filled world (Matthew 5:3).

If you are hurting and tearful, Jesus the Comforter is eager to care for you (Matthew 5:4).

If your sincere intentions have been dismissed or misunderstood, you can see that God personally cares for you (Matthew 5:8).

So, where is God when you're walking through trauma, emotional hurts, or spiritual disorientation? He is an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He's waiting to be with you, care for you, and show you new dimensions of his deep love for you (Ephesians 3:14-19).

Prayer: Jesus, help us to know that you are with us always and in every challenge. Help us open our hearts to the same comfort you experienced from Father God during your times of suffering. Help us to know that with you, we are deeply loved by God. Amen.