Frenchman Peak, Cape Le Grand, Western Australia
I was going to share something different today; a chirpy
post I’d written about change and rainbows and turning twenty. But this has
been pressing on my heart. I wanted to wait until I had concrete answers, but
no, God had other plans.
This world is broken. Pain exists everywhere –every country,
ethnic group, family, and individual. There’s so much evil and suffering and
disconnection. In the last week I: read No
Longer A Slumdog which opened my eyes to the intense suffering of millions in
Asia; saw footage of damage caused by hurricane Harvey; heard of crimes and suicides
and miserable people; learned of toxins in our environment and food and
corruption in the healthcare system; witnessed homelessness as a reality for many
people; observed hurting, aching hearts; and yesterday evening I read Priceless which gives an inside look
into human trafficking.
That’s just one week. That’s only the things I heard about.
That’s merely the perspective of a girl who has her needs supplied with extras
on the side. I was lying in bed last night feeling overwhelmed by it all. How can people do that to each other? What
would it take for people to see people as people? How much worse can it get? Is
there any way to help? Is there any point trying? I’m one person, and it’s
huge. It hurts me, and I’m not even experiencing it.
I was talking to God about it. I wanted to understand where
and how I fit in with all this, but I ended up at the age old question: where
and how does God fit into our human misery? A thought came forcibly to mind. It
wasn’t an audible voice, but God spoke:
My heart breaks too.
Perhaps out of fear of cheapening God, of trying to keep Him
high and holy, I forget He is real. He has feelings and emotions. He’s not a wall
of piety, immune to our suffering. The fact we feel pain and horror about evil
is evidence we’re made in His image and this world isn’t our home.
I don’t have a solution for world hunger, a plan to stop
child trafficking, or a way to heal our hurting brothers and sisters. But I
know when I feel weight in my chest, questions in my heart, and cry out, God, this is terrible! He replies: I know. My heart breaks too.
God is with us.
Thank you for sharing. It puts different light on things when we view it that way aye! ...'thinking' God actually tried to shield us from all the pain and shame that He knew sin would bring, but He had to give man the freedom of choice - and man's choice brought this on the world...yet even through all that, God gave everything He could, literally EVERYTHING heaven could offer - in the gift of Jesus His Son; that He might give everyone the chance to live in perfection again!
ReplyDeleteBlessings :)
Yes, it's incredible to think about! I feel there's this misconception that God doesn't notice our suffering, or worse, takes pleasure in it because we deserve it. But instead, like you laid out, He's there loving us through every step, and turning our mistakes into opportunities for grace and love. Amazing.
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts, Ash! I always appreciate your comments. :)
This is so beautiful, Jessica. I can tell this blog post was heartfelt. This post is a blessing, thank you. <3
ReplyDeleteI feel so privileged that it was a blessing to you! Thanks for your comment, Gray. xx
Delete'I'm one person, and it's huge. It hurts me and I'm not even experiencing it. ' <-- that is exactly how I feel.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this post so much! A lot of times I'll feel so overwhelmed by all the hurt in this world. This will always remind me, that His heart brakes too. <33 this was so lovely. <3
You know how it feels! It's really encouraging just to hear that, Paige. And we might not have answers, but we know the One who does. Thanks for your comment, and don't stop fighting for love! xx
DeleteThis post is just beautiful, I absolutely loved it.
ReplyDeleteAlso those photos. <3 <3
Thanks for your encouraging words, Jane. Praise God! :)
DeleteHmm, nice post. The pictures are amazing and the words are special. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm glad you liked it. :) All praise to our Creator!
DeleteWow, this is deep Jessica. I struggle so much with everything you mentioned, sometimes I have to distance myself from news because I get heartbroken but it is so true that God's heart breaks too, that He is always with us. I like to remember this verse "Take my yoke upon you for my yoke is easy and my burden is light" I tend to always take the world's weight on my own shoulders and I forget that my Father holds the world in His very hands. That's so powerful, but boy I forget so often!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this beautiful post <3 You have such a beautiful way of writing and it blesses me to grow in my faith, honestly. You are a huge encouragement <3 ^.^
Anna | www.worldthrougherheart.blogspot.com
Yes.. it is distressing to learn about all the terrible stuff happening. :( That verse is so relevant - thanks for sharing. I've never thought of it in that way before, but it's true. He promises to bear the pain and questions for us.
DeleteI feel privileged this could be a blessing to you, Anna. So thankful for God's direction in writing! All praise to Him, and thanks for your comment. It's always lovely to hear from you. :)
Aw,Jessica! <3
ReplyDeleteYes, there is so much pain and suffering out there in the world. Here in the US we are having a lot of hate, pain and bitterness, as well as natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey. I have family in Texas, and my uncle and other members are out there helping with rescue.
There's a lot of black vs. white issues going on, and political problems are rising.
It used to overwhelm me, when I watched the news, or read articles on the problems in the world today, but God has given me a peace.
I like to go out at night at look at stars, when the skies are clear. It's good to know that the God Who is holding those stars steady is also holding the world in His hands.
Last night I was outside, listening to the quiet, when a huge night owl landed in a tree across from me. My family and I watched it for hours, and it was so still.
It's head would turn, but the rest of it was motionless. Silent. Patient.
It was like a sermon in itself, telling me that there's nothing to worry about. Nothing to fear. No need to rush or fret. It's all under control.
I guess what I am trying to say it, God know the pain. Yes, He feels it more than anyone could.
And He knows the cries of the innocent, the confused pain of so many. And He loves us all.
He won't let His children go.
Sleep in peace. Don't worry. There will be a day when He will wipe it all away.
*knows
DeleteWow, thanks for your thoughtful comment, LaKaysha! That story you shared of the owl's sermon was beautiful. There's so much to learn from nature, and the way the animals and plants trust in our Father.
DeleteI hope your family and friends are all safe with the hurricane, and other issues going on. Thanks for your reassurance and words of truth about God's heart and plan, and may we find peace and rest in Him! I'm blessed by your comment! xx
You'll be happy to know that my family is safe and well! <3
DeleteMy uncle and cousins helped rescue over 300 people in one night...And that's a small percentage of the many victims. There's a lot of devastation in Texas, but also a lot human kindness being displayed as civilians from every side of the nation come together to help fellow Americans.
God's love is being displayed by millions of people, just to prove that He still cares!
It's a wonderful to thing, to see Him in midst of chaos.
I'm glad to hear that! That's incredible; I didn't know how many people it affected, but it must be so many to rescue hundreds in one night. Mmm, God has a way of revealing Himself even in the middle of these devastating things. I hope it continues to be an illustration of His love. Thanks for commenting back! :)
DeleteThis is beautiful Jessica.... it's important to remember that God IS real and that He sees this world's pain and that His heart breaks too. Thanks for the reminder :). And even though we don't have the solution to it all we can remember that God is with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
Ps: the pictures are breath taking <3
Yes, precisely! I think that's the most comforting He can offer us, you know. He understands, and cares, and walks through it with us. Thanks for your comment, Sarah! :)
DeleteWhen I think of the world out there, I feel helpless under the weight, and it quite easily overwhelms me. But this is a beautiful post. You're right, God loves more than we can even imagine, and that means He must hurt more than we can imagine when people are living in pain or darkness. We are all just one person, and it feels like whatever we can do is too small to make a difference. But we are with God, and He is big, and His heart is aching for those people too. Beautiful post, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteJem Jones
It is so overwhelming to think about! Hmm, that's so true He would feel infinitely deeper sorrow for everything that troubles us. I like how you concluded though - with Him everything is possible, including hope. Thanks for your sweet comment! xx
DeleteThis is beautiful. I've felt the same feelings you've felt before, and inside me had this amazing feeling of comfort and peace when I realize I'm not -- I'm never -- alone. Our pain is never unnoticed.
ReplyDeleteLook at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?-Matthew 6:26-27
Michaila
seventytimeseven.com
It's such a precious assurance! I'm glad you've found rest in Him. Thanks for adding that verse too: it's so appropriate for this topic, and such a powerful reminder of God's care. Thanks for your comment, Michaila! I appreciate you. :)
DeleteBeautiful, just beautiful... We need this reminder so often. We can't fix everything- or even most things- but God sees everything, and whether He shows us what to do right now or not, He's the Healer of all things and He will never leave us alone. Thank you for sharing this. xx
ReplyDeleteAmen, amen! That's it - these things can draw us closer to Him and develop our trust. Thanks for reading and leaving your lovely comment! :)
DeleteThis was absolutely beautiful, jessica & brought tears to my eyes. <3 <3 I really really loved this post.
ReplyDeletexx
Sophy of SophysLighthouse.blogspot.com
I'm touched God spoke to you through these words. All praise to Him, and thanks for another of your sweet comments, Sophy! xx
DeleteIf I'm honest, it's intimidating for me to reply to such a heavy post. But my mind keeps coming back to it even as I try to get on with my day. Indeed, God is with us. Immanuel. It's still hard. But the words of Jesus comes to mind:
ReplyDelete"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted."
Thanks for being faithful to write this, Jessica! If it's hard for me to reply to, how much harder for you to post about it?
I appreciate your understanding, Jordy! It is a heavy subject. Perhaps you are exposed to more examples of poverty and suffering because of where you live as well?
DeleteThanks for sharing that scripture! It's so pertinent to this topic, and truly it's that hope which can get us through. Thanks for leaving a reply, even though it was difficult for you. You're a blessing. :)
Yes, the poverty here is abundantly clear. Men, woman and children beg at every marketplace and along the streets. We see these people - real souls - all the time, and yet it doesn't grow old. I'm sure some of them are honest and work to get out of the cycle, but we've had experience with scam artists that add a whole new dimension to it. The brokenness of God's creation seems to never end. And yet it will.
DeleteOh, that must be hard. Although perhaps it means you have a more accurate picture of the world than the rest of us do, because that's the unfortunate reality for so many. :( Amen to your last two sentences. We have to keep believing. xx
DeleteThis is beautiful!! Thanks for posting, Jessica!!
ReplyDeletePraise God! Thanks a lot for your comment, Lilly! :)
DeleteThis hurts my heart ... I so have felt this way before. Thanks for sharing the reminder that God is not passive and far away ... he's close by, and his heart hurts too. ♡
ReplyDeleteWe're in this together. And the best part is like you said, God is in deeper than we can even imagine. Thanks so much for commenting! xx
DeleteYES. Charlottesville, Sierra Leone, Houston, Bangladesh...it's like we're more aware of the suffering that's around us because of technology and social media. Which is a good thing, because we can see what the world is really like, but it can also be faith-shaking. Which is also good. Because is it really faith if it's never challenged?
ReplyDeleteYou're so right; often I find myself putting God into this distant box. And I imagine Him smirking, going "How can You put me into a box? You realize I created the atoms that make up boxes, right?" He has emotions. He hurts when we hurt each other. And He hurts when we hurt Him. He's present. He's here. His love wins.
O | Life as a Young Lady
Yes, there is a benefit in being more aware. It always makes me think of that verse in Ecclesiastes though which says, he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
DeleteI like your positive attitude towards our faith being tested. It's so true. Yes - God is so much broader and deeper than we imagine Him to be! Amen. Thanks for your thoughtful comment! I appreciated it. :)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this. It hurts me so much, too. And just knowing that I'm not alone -- reading posts like this -- helps me to find a glimmer of hope in the chaos. Because there are so many good people in the world who want to see light manifest in the darkest corners of the earth. and just remembering that every day...it keeps me going :)
ReplyDeleteSO THANK YOU FOR THIS *hugs*
rock on,
abbiee
Yes, we have to keep holding on - nothing can overcome us if we have hope. So blessed to know this could be an encouragement to you and we're in this together! Sending hugs back. :) xx
DeleteWow, you are wise. Seriously such wisdom and care went into this post, and I love that! I am with you - to think about the suffering in the world overwhelms me and makes my heart ache. It is just so powerful to think that Jesus stepped down from heaven and came to be dwell among us, to willingly have His heart broken and beaten. I think the changes for good that we can make come not necessarily in the form of impacting thousands or millions but having a daily impact on tens, or five, or just one soul. I want to pour more intention and joy into my relationships with the people around me because of this. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! This is a good reminder to me that the world is hurting and needs Christ's love!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm honoured you think so, but it's all from Him. :) Yes, I like how you paralleled it to Jesus coming and experiencing the worst the world could throw at Him. That gives such courage and hope. You're so right.. I often lose myself in the big picture, I want maximum impact, and wide reach, but Jesus would've done it all for one person, and that's our example. Thanks for your comment, Erin! It has me thinking, and I hope you find the blessing returned as you invest in others around you. xx
DeleteDefinitely thought-provoking. It's very comforting to know that God does see, hear, and care.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found it that way, Gloria. Yes, we can hang onto that hope. Thanks for your comment! xx
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