A Spectacle Of Glory #207

Read: Psalm 34:18

Which pain is worse—emotional or physical? We’ve all experienced both—and we’d rather have neither. We’ve had crushing physical pain, where we can’t get comfortable; we’ve had devastating heartache, where the tears just won’t stop. Many people find ways to cope with physical pain—if not through medications, then through mental disciplines that distract from the agony. But internal suffering is another matter.

You can’t push mental anguish behind you. Emotional pain creates an emptiness that refuses to be crowded out of your heart. That’s where our wonderful God steps in. He holds you in the palm of His hand. He hides you in the cleft of His rock. He shelters you underneath His wings. David—who would certainly know—wrote, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Remember that. He is never nearer than when your heart is breaking.

Lord, You know everything about me. I can’t hide one thought from You or cover over a single emotion. You know exactly how I am formed,^a and You know so well how to comfort me when I’m hurting. I will tell You all the things I can tell no one else, and You will put Your own shoulder under my sorrow.