All around us, we see evidence of a shattered world. From a rapid increase in anxiety and depression to horrific deaths, you only need to turn on the TV for a minute before you’re left feeling discouraged. After a deadly pandemic ravaged the globe, it seemed like hope was nothing more than a distant memory. When it feels like our despair defines us, it’s natural to doubt God’s faithfulness and very existence.
If Jesus is good, then why do horrible things happen? Sometimes it’s due to sin, sometimes it’s due to the consequences of this evil world, and sometimes, we just don’t know why. Our finite minds may never fully understand why a perfect God of love allows suffering. However, because He is a God of love, we see His goodness clearly shining amid the most hopeless circumstances.
One of the verses that always encourages me is Isaiah 61:3. It says, “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that they may be glorified.” Even as I face the trials of this life, I can confidently hold on to the hope of Jesus. Each trouble I endure is already defeated because of the victory at the empty tomb.
Before, there were times in my life when I almost felt ashamed for being overwhelmed. It’s easy for my mind to subconsciously pretend that everything is fine, even in the moments when I want to break down in tears. While it’s something that I’m still working on, I’m learning that I don’t need to have it all together when I’m with my Father.
It’s okay to allow tears of confusion and grief to roll down your face.
It’s okay to mourn in sorrow and anger due to the brokenness of this world.
It’s okay because even when your life shatters beyond recognition, your Father’s unconditional love will surround you each time.
One of the aspects that I love most about Jesus is that He never belittles me for how I’m feeling. Instead of providing automatic quick fixes to my problems or offering shallow cliches of reassurance, He comforts me in the warmth of His compassionate embrace. As you crumple to the floor, He will meet you exactly where you are. His steadfast presence proves His everlasting faithfulness, regardless of how bleak our situation appears. However, God is more than just our Comforter- He’s also our Redeemer.
Jesus uses everything for His glory; even our pain has an eternal purpose. The ashes described in Isaiah symbolize situations that are damaged beyond repair and recognition. They are so messy and broken that we’re often too scared to even pick them up again. Still, our ashes are a beautiful part of our story. The Holy Spirit takes the circumstances we believe are too lifeless and breathes new life into them again.
This doesn’t mean God sees us as tools to accomplish His objective. On the contrary, our personal experiences with suffering are powerful testimonies that encourage others and deepen our spiritual maturity. When the Holy Spirit lives inside our hearts, we have an indescribable joy and a peace that surpasses all understanding. While being a daughter of the King doesn’t mean we won’t endure deep struggles and heartache, the Bible promises that each obstacle enables us to encounter God’s love more intimately than ever before.
When I look back on life, the most challenging seasons I overcame were the ones when I dared to trust God’s promises. It’s one thing to believe my Savior will work all things together for good amid peaceful waters and another thing entirely when the waves are violently crashing down on me. While it can be so easy for us to slip into despair and sadness, Jesus reminds us of the power of His Word.
It is His Word that anchors us when the storm surrounds us. It is His Word that strengthens us when we are too weak to take another step. It is His Word that allows us to find hope even when our world is crumbling. When it feels impossible for us to look forward, we can look to the hope of Jesus found in Scripture.
We live in a time of deep pain and heartache. People are suffering from the deaths of loved ones, fear, shame, and so much more. Although I might not know exactly what you’re going through, I know that Jesus will be with you no matter what. The shattered pieces of your heart will never be too broken for Him to restore. When you feel like giving up due to the struggles of this life, remember that God is using the messiest parts of your story to create a beautiful masterpiece.
