Hope Over Pain

Jesus started crying . . .

John 11:35 (CEV)

So much pain. Pain that physically hurts in the bones, taints the taste of food, dulls the colors of the world. All people want is for it to stop. Although some seem to take comfort in going lower, deeper into depression.

But pain lies. Depression is not the cure. Hurting yourself is not the answer.

Jesus’s friend Lazarus died of an illness. Even though Jesus knew he had the power to resurrect him—and would soon show that power—Jesus still cried. He cried for the suffering. The separation. The fallenness of this world. He cried because it’s not the way it’s supposed to be. God the Father doesn’t want sadness, death, and separation for his children.

After he wept, he prayed. Then, with a simple command, Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead.

Jesus understands our pain and suffering. He hates the things that have caused all these tears. But his grief is not hopeless. And because of him, we know death and our depression and pain will be defeated! He paid that price when he died on the cross. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, this hope is yours now, too!

Don’t let your pain and grief make you feel hopeless. They won’t last forever. Turn to Jesus. Know that he weeps with you, but he also points towards an everlasting hope!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

An old saying goes “Joy shared is twice the joy. Sorrow shared is half the sorrow.” Who can you talk to about your pain? Who needs you to listen to them about their pain? Make a prayer list, and then pray every day this week for the people on it. Take the initiative to ask someone to pray for you this week. And let the people you are praying for know that you are thinking of them as well.

INSPIRATION

“Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendor.”

—Charles Spurgeon, English pastor and author in the 1800s

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. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 30:5

Isaiah 53:4

Matthew 5:4

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14