The God We Need

Jesus started crying . . .

John 11:35 (CEV)

What do you need from God? Do you need him to be fair? Powerful? Able to see you at all times and know everything? How about compassion? Do you need him to care about you and the things you love?

When Jesus walked among people on Earth, he showed us all aspects of God. Maybe one of the most shocking was his compassion. Jesus cried with people.

It happened when Jesus’s friend, Lazarus, died. As Jesus spoke with Lazarus’s sisters and walked among the grieving people, he was overwhelmed with sadness. He loved them and hated to see their pain. He also missed his friend dearly, even though he knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew their tears would turn into joy very soon. Still, he felt the pain of separation.

When we go through hard times like the loneliness of losing people we love, we can remember our God is right there with us. He wipes our tears and holds us close. But he also makes the good come. He is the God who is everything we need.

On those hard days, take his hand. Let him hold you while you cry. But then watch him—trust him—while he works it all out for his amazing purpose!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Check out the additional verses from today's reading. Which one gives you comfort? Write it in a journal or on some paper and highlight it in your Bible so you can remember it when you need it.

PRAY

This world is hard, God! It hurts to be separated from people we love. Thank you for holding me.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Please read...

Psalm 30:5

Isaiah 53:4

Matthew 5:4

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14