He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Isaiah 53:3a NKJV
Strange acquaintance for the Son of God! The brightness of glory, and the express image of the Father’s person!
But He came into our world on purpose that He might know by experience all that His people had suffered; yea, all that His people deserved. He had heard of sorrow and had seen it in others. But He had never felt it Himself. So He took our nature and came into our place.
He began to suffer as soon as He was born, and He pursued a course of suffering until He died. In the sweat of His brow He ate His bread. The reproaches of them that reproached His Father, fell on Him. He became intimate with grief. He knew it in all its varieties, in all its depths. No one ever suffered so much, or from so many causes, or so constantly, as He. He visited joy occasionally, but He dwelt with grief. It was His companion.
Christian, your Lord suffered for you; He suffered like you; He suffered far, far more than you; and now He can sympathise with you. Yes, He knows by experience what human nature feels. He knows the effect of grief upon the nerves, and the spirits, and the temper. He suffered from all quarters: from heaven, earth, and hell; and therefore He is able, He is moved, to succour you in all your sorrows, griefs, and woes. – Rev. James Smith. Believer’s Daily Remembrancer
Reflect, Ponder, and Pray
“Nobody knows how I really feel!” “I wish someone else could understand what I am going through!” “I am all alone in this suffering and who can fathom it?”
These are questions chronically ill folks regularly ask themselves. We yearn to have others in our sphere know what we are experiencing. However, I have found that is impossible. How can I put 30 years of affliction into suitable words? After a while I stopped trying….
That is why this meditation by James Smith is so powerful. He points us to the truth in scripture that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is acquainted with grief and sorrows of every kind. There is nothing on this earth that Christ is not familiar with. That means the unexpressed even secret pain you are feeling today does have someone who understands – someone who “gets it”! That someone is Christ. He is our Suffering Savior “intimate with grief”. We can lay every burden down before Him confident that He understands, that He truly cares about it, and that He can help you through it. What immense joy and comfort is available to us here!
More From Barbara
The Wonderful Land of Affliction
If you were to visit the Land of Affliction for a day, I think the first thing you would notice is the pace. Everything moves much slower here. Many of us are using all of our energy just to figure out how to make it through the day. Over time I have become frustratingly aware of my weaknesses.
Overlooked: Where Do Butterflies Go At Night?
People with chronic illnesses and invisible diseases can simply be overlooked, so their suffering can easily slip your mind much like butterflies at night.
Prayer Pond
You're invited to the Prayer Pond, your safe harbor, where you can share your prayer requests, updates, and shouts of praise. Whether a request, praise, lament, suffering, loss, hope, grief, or joy, each prayer ripples far beyond this day and the boundaries of our world. #PrayItForward by praying for others.
Devotional Guide
Chronic Joy® devotionals are an invitation to take one gentle step, to pray in a comforting and familiar or perhaps new-to-you way, or to cry out on behalf of one precious life today … maybe even yours.
Barbara Coleman
Artist and Writer
Barbara lives in Maryland and has been in ministry with her husband, Mike, for almost 50 years. In the past, she has led Bible Studies and spoken at Women's Retreats. Barbara has three grown sons and 10 grandchildren. She is a retired floral designer and now spends her time painting. Most importantly she has a devoted husband who supports her and always encourages her to remember the wisdom of her precious Lord.
Thank you, Barbara, for sharing this beautiful painting and reflection. My heart was so moved by your words and so stirred to look up with gratefulness for what Jesus bore for me. May I allow HIS grace to keep me useful for Him, sharing that same grace He has given to me. Blessings to you!