When we face devastating sorrow, chronic pain, desperate heartbreak; we long to be near to others who can understand our tears. This pilgrimage journey is filled with perils. Sometimes the heaviness of our spirit weighs down upon us. We long to just sit quietly in the presence of someone, anyone; who understands our broken despairing heart; because, they truly walked a mile in our shoes at a point and time in their own lives. Because of their own suffering, they can wrap their arm around us, in quiet strength, while we sob on their shoulder. Jesus Christ is that kind of friend. He was a man of great sorrow on earth, who wept over the atrocities He saw. He walked upon this earth, that He might be our Savior and thereby became the best Empathetic Shoulder to cry upon, as well.
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18
WHEN JOY AND SORROW MEET
Certainly, we know that Jesus promised us His Joy when He proclaimed, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).” His joy is a steadfast Joy flowing forth from Perfect Love, the same love as is ever flowing forth within the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He bids us to abide in that love; wherein, even our greatest tragedy we see in light of His Sovereign love for us. Jesus faced great sorrow, as He journeyed on earth as well. He wept over Jerusalem, cried when Lazarus died, and that He prayed with agonizing tears in the Garden of Gethsemane. He endured such sorrow; because of His great love for us.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 11:1-3
AN EMPATHETIC SHOULDER TO CRY ON
There is no sorrow, pain or trial we face; but, what Jesus Christ understands. He stands with arms wide open and an empathetic shoulder for us to cry upon. Safely, held within His arms, we are free to pour out upon Him the depth of our despair with no fear of judgement; because He loves us UNCONDITIONALLY. All who have accepted Him as their LORD and Savior are redeemed. Chosen before the beginning of time, we are God’s Redeemed, Beloved Children. There wrapped within His arms, we find solace for our brokenness. He knows everything there is to know about me and loves me. Even my moments of doubt and fear, He knows. Because he knows my despair, I can rest assured; He has a plan for my joy. Even in this moment!
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
SEEING MY SUFFERING THROUGH GOD’S EYES OF GRACE
There are moments when life seems tough. My body aches from all the surgeries of my life. The mirror reflects the truth of my aging and I wonder if I have lived the best that I could have; knowing that I have failed many times along this journey. My heart bleeds for the trials my children face and I wish I had been more frugal, so I could help more. Mom is cared for in the home; yet, could I do more to make her happy? The news blares of all the divisiveness and corruption in our nation as well as the world. People suffering, truth turned to lies, and hate invading like a cancer so many hearts. Yes, life is hard and filled with sorrows. Yet, when I draw aside and abide in the arms of Jesus; resting upon His empathetic shoulders, I find peace, joy and hope.
At the end of the day, in the quiet of my room; I know that I am blessed. What about you? Do you know Him? Have you felt the strength surge through your body when you lean your head upon His empathetic shoulder? There is no better Friend. He has walked each mile of this journey with me. Never has He forsaken me. Therefore, if this journey is filled with sorrow; so, what! At the end of this journey, I will see Him face to face. For that reason, I can sing a song of praise today and every day that I live. My heart rejoices in that thought. Today I see Him through a glass dimly; but then face to face.
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]At the end of the day, in the quiet of my room; I KNOW that I am BLESSED [/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”If this journey is filled with sorrow; so, what! At the end of this journey I will see Him face 2 face” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Drawn into the arms of Jesus, tears falling on His empathetic shoulder; I find peace & joy.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Because Jesus knows & understands my despair, I can rest assured; He has a plan for my joy.” username=”effiedarlene”]
This portrait “The Sinner’s Cry” is an example of the creative artistry of Roninron.com It is used by permission here; however is covered by copyright laws and not to be copied. I encourage you to go to his website, review his art work and order a custom portrait or an original piece of art for yourself.
The featured picture at the beginning of the post was a photograph used by permission https://unsplash.com/@viniciusamano to which I added the inscription.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.