Bread for the JourneySample

Relief

When we experience intense pain, it's hard to continue doing our chores or fulfilling our responsibilities as we should. The pain can be physical, due to an accident, an illness, a wound, inflammation, or some other reason.

But we also experience emotional pain, where our soul is afflicted and saddened. The causes can be countless, but they always leave that sensation of internal suffering.

In both cases, it is undeniable that it's not what we want to be experiencing, and we crave the slightest relief, a relief that helps us bear the pain or eliminates it completely. That's how the prophet Jeremiah felt when he expressed his sorrow, saying: “My eyes continually overflow; they cannot stop, for there is no relief.” (Lamentations 3:49, NIV)

However, despite the reality of pain, we can confidently go to the One who can give us relief, the One who heals the wounds of the brokenhearted, the One who has compassion on us. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3, NIV)

Many try to hide their soul's brokenness behind a smile, a lively personality, or constant activity. They believe such things will make them forget the pain and the reasons they are experiencing it. What is important for us to know is that God wants us to be honest with Him, to bring our burdens into His presence, and to cry out for the relief that only His Holy Spirit can give us.

Perhaps we can deceive those around us, but we definitely can never hide from our God how our soul is doing and why we are feeling the way we do. Certainly, He knows everything about us, and His intention, derived from His unconditional love, is to heal us, give us relief, comfort us, and deliver us from affliction.

It is up to us to be honest with God and with ourselves. When there is laughter, that's great, but when there is pain, we are not alone. With us is the Comforter, the Almighty, the One who sustains us and comforts our soul. He wipes away our tears and encourages us with His Word.

The psalmist continually turned to God's Word because he knew that in it he found comfort, and God gave him life and delivered him from affliction. “I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word.” (Psalm 119:107, NIV)

The Lord wants us to always come to Him, when we are happy, excited, and encouraged, but also when we need His embrace, His comfort, and His strength. His throne is always open to those who love Him.