“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” (Hebrews 4:15).

Bill and Mary sat in their family room with their beloved pastor. It’d been nearly two weeks since the death of their precious son. They missed him terribly. At times it felt like they could not go on another moment. Bill spoke softly and with great emotion when he said to his pastor, “Probably one of the hardest things for me is when people tell me that they know how I feel. Pastor, you won’t believe this, but two days ago I had a man tell me, ‘Bill, I know just how you feel. My daughter has the flu and has been down for a couple of days. I know what it’s like to have a sick child. I know just how you feel.’’ Bill paused for a few moments and continued speaking to his pastor, “For a moment I wanted to punch him in the nose! My son experienced multiple surgeries and years of not feeling well. And then this guy comes along and tells me that he knows how I feel because his daughter has the flu. It was hard for me to take.” The wise pastor sympathized with them and said that he was so sorry that this happened. Taking his New Testament out of his pocket, the gentle pastor read the verse we have selected today. He reminded Bill and Mary that “there is someone who really does know how you folks feel. The Lord Jesus completely understands, and He holds you as His very own children.” How about you? What are you going through right now, and how does it help you to understand that the Lord Jesus knows how you feel?

For today: I am so glad that the Lord Jesus completely understands and He helps His own children.