Well-meaning people sometimes make a hard situation even worse by carelessly and thoughtlessly saying, “Oh I know just how you feel” when in reality, they don’t! The great blessing is that the Lord always does know how we are feeling. Think about this with me.

“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).

We live in a very broken world. Sooner or later troubles and heartbreaks will find their way to each of us. The good news is that we can know Christ personally. We can have a precious relationship with Him that makes such a difference, not only for eternity but daily as well. As we read in our verses for today, He understands us. He has experienced what we are experiencing. He is there to help and welcomes us to come boldly before His throne of grace.

Mitchell had experienced deep hurt and sorrow over the years as two of his sons had died. Their deaths were about twenty-five years apart. Then a few years later his wife died. His trust in the Lord was unshakable, but his grief was indescribable. A well-meaning person came up to him several weeks after his wife died and said, “Mitch, I’m sorry about your wife. I know just how you feel. My sister-in-law has a cousin who died the other day.” Part of Mitch wanted to respond with furious tones, screaming, “YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW I FEEL!” Immediately controlling his thoughts, to his mind came, “But the Lord Jesus does know just exactly how I feel, and He’s welcoming me to come for help!”

For today: How will the Lord’s understanding and welcoming you to come for help affect you today?