“Jesus saves my life every day.” I have spoken this statement to family or friends on more than one occasion these past 9 months. Compassion for the weak, the wounded, and the hurting has grown in my spirit. People deal with their pain and heartache in vastly different ways. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and walk in pain. Sometimes grief and pain leads us to toxic patterns or debilitating addictions. It makes sense to me why some would take pills, or drown their sorrows from a bottle. People who are suffering are constantly trying to find a way to anesthetize their pain. I have longed for the same.

But what I have experienced is that there is Jesus. I’ve been slightly disappointed to discover that He doesn’t anesthetize my pain, but He shows up every day with me in my pain. I recently read a quote by Dr. Larry Crabb describing this very concept. It oddly brought me hope. I quit looking to Holy Spirit to remove my grief, but instead started to look for Him to join me in my grief. There’s nothing more powerful than being seen. Knowing I’m not alone, but that Jesus is with me saves my life every day.

This morning that Truth powerfully played out again. I woke up feeling a sense of doom and dread. The circumstances of my life have been catastrophic for me mentally and emotionally. Most of the time I can’t make sense of what is up, what is down, or what to do next. I’m at a loss. There have been so many losses.

But today, like most days, I opened up my journal and poured out my soul to my God. I bared my burdens before Him and let my true thoughts and feelings flow. I opened up my well-worn Bibles: 3 difference versions because I’m constantly looking for answers. I’m constantly looking for hidden pieces in different translations. In His Word I found treasure. I found life-saving Truth. I heard His voice. I hope you can find comfort from His voice today, too.

2 Corinthians 4: 8-11 (some paraphrased):

Though you experience every kind of pressure, you’re not crushed. At times you don’t know what to do. You feel perplexed, but not driven to despair. You are persecuted by others, but not forsaken. Struck down, but not destroyed. You are knocked down, but not knocked out. The life of my son is manifested in your mortal body. The things that are dying release life in you.

He also lead me to this song, “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” . For me, “Praise is the highway to the heart of God…” His heart is where I want to be.