“I will not leave you comfortless…”-John 14:18
Suffering Christian! Jesus is at your side, witnessing your sufferings. He sympathizes with you in your sorrows, and will do you good by every pain. He is always present with His people — for He has promised that He will never leave them nor forsake them. He is especially present with them when they are suffering trials. It is our responsibility to accept by faith that He is with us, and to commune with Him for the good of our souls. But when we are in great pain or extreme weakness, we are apt to forget, or at least we may not realize — that Jesus is present, and so we need to be reminded of it.
Remember too that Jesus, who is now with you — also suffered when He was on earth as a man. The Bible tells us that “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way — just as we are.” Hebrews 4:15. He is therefore able to sympathize with, and support, those who are tried, “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18.
His head has been racked with pain. His heart has been torn with sorrow. He mind has been overwhelmed with darkness and distress, occasioned by the hiding of His Father’s countenance. He understands what you are going through. He will treat you tenderly and lovingly.
Yes, He sees the effect your trial has on your nerves and on your soul. He will fulfill His precious promises in your experience. By looking to Him, trusting Him, and pleading with Him — you can obtain strength, comfort, and victory!
Sweet thought! Jesus is with me! That Jesus who suffered and died for me; that Jesus who is my advocate with the Father and who ever lives to make intercession for me; that Jesus who is preparing a place for me in His Father’s house, and who will soon come and receive me to Himself!
Heavenly Father, help me to realize that Jesus is with me; unfold to me His glories and allow me to enjoy His sweet and soul-satisfying presence!–James Smith
