Even in the Darkness, Jesus is with Us

It is easy for us to forget that Jesus is with us when we have challenging times in life. Times when we are grieving the loss of a loved one; going through a divorce; experiencing a job loss or financial troubles; when we are hungry, homeless, oppressed, or condemned; when we are lonely; when we are dealing with disability, disease, or other illnesses like COVID; or in any other times of trouble or high anxiety. We sometimes find ourselves feeling abandoned by everyone, including God. Jesus likely experienced some of these emotions on his road to crucifixion on the Cross. God did not leave Jesus, and God will not leave us in our darkest hours. We are not alone in our struggles. Sometimes, only in the darkness will we be able to find clarity because it contrasts the light. 

Romans 5:1-5 - Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. 

Prayer: In Times of Personal Distress

Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered as we do. As I go through the trials of life, help me to realize that you are with me at all times and in all things; that I have no secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds me for eternity. In the security of your embrace, I pray. Amen.

(https://www.churchpublishing.org/siteassets/pdf/enriching-our-worship-2/enrichingourworship2.pdf)

Ponderings…

How might you be reminded that God is present in the difficult times? How can you support others when times are challenging? How might you look for God amid sadness or grief?

Illustrations used with permission. Copyright information for print above: Illustration by Elizabeth Wang, T-01088-OL, ‘Even in the darkness of our sufferings Jesus comforts and guides us’, copyright © Radiant Light 2006, http://www.radiantlight.org.uk<http://www.radiantlight.org.uk/>