He is closely acquainted with all that which concerns me.
Out of sight… so much of what comprises my life seems to be abstract thoughts and waves of emotion; things that never can be expressed or shown fully to another human being. The point is missed… or, like a sword in the hand of the untrained, it is too sharp to be wielded without getting pierced by it.
Out of mind… alas! I so quickly forget what matters. Perseverance must be gained. Tasks done. Priorities made. Giants felled. And yet for all that, it is character that must be produced, not pride.
Out of touch… the result of all my meandering is that, right now, I don’t “feel” like I’m truly here before Your throne of grace.
But the reality is that what I am facing – inside and outside me – tosses me flat on my face before Your wounded feet. It drenches me with the sweat that turned to blood in those hours of anguish before You went to the Cross.
Nothing I am going through has disqualified me from needing and receiving Your help. If anything, I’ve needed and received more grace than I ever have before.
You are closely acquainted with all that which concerns me… for You are Immanuel – “God with us”.
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-17
“‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).” Matthew 1:23
“He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5
(Featured sketch by Olivia Ryan)
Liv'n'Hope 