God Cries With Him

Nine-year-old Darrell had been burned so terribly that all of his body, except his lips and one blistered cheek, were wrapped in sterile gauze. When his seared flesh was touched, his screams could be heard far down the hospital corridor.

One day another patient called out, "How can God do this to an innocent child?"

"Don't say anything against God!" Darrell's voice rang out. "When it hurts, God cries with me."

God's presence does not always free us from pain and suffering. When Joseph was in prison "the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness" (Genesis 39:21). God showed him kindness-but not deliverance! The Lord's kindness did not mean he was released from prison quickly. Even though there were days Joseph may have been unaware of God's presence, God's kindness never left Him.

Good when he gives, supremely good.
No less when he denies.
Afflictions from his sovereign hand
Are blessings in disguise.
    -Anonymous

Many times we cannot see God's goodness except through faith, but because we trust Him, we know that He allows nothing except what He can use to bring good to us. As His children, we can say with confidence, "Surely goodness...shall follow me all the days of my life" (Psalm 23:6 KJV).

Thank you, Jesus, that in all of our distresses, You, too, are distressed.

"In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them" (Isaiah 63:9).