Jesus With Us: In Suffering, Healing, and Hope (Oratio Divina)

Jesus with us
to ease our suffering
to comfort the brokenhearted
to guide those who are lost
Jesus with us
to cast out our demons
to lighten our burdens
to bring meaning to our pain
Jesus with us
in grace and mercy
now and forever
the lamb upon the cross
~Robert Van Valkenburgh

Reflection:
Even when he feels far away, Jesus is with us. Even in the darkest of nights, when we feel most alone, like all hope is lost and we have nowhere to go, Jesus is with us (Matthew 28:20, NRSV). He lives in our hearts through the Holy Spirit he sent to be our advocate, comfort, and companion (John 14:16–17, NRSV). Though we may not always feel that Spirit, though she may feel far away, she lives in and among us to connect us, through Christ, to the Father who hears our prayers (Romans 8:26–27, NRSV).

This covenant was made through the blood of Jesus who gave up his life that we may live (Luke 22:20, NRSV). Jesus, who was born to be the sacrificial lamb for the sake of our turning away (John 1:29, NRSV), never turned away from his calling. He never broke faith, that we might believe on him, on his name, and on his death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, NRSV). And he did this all for our sake. Christ is with us. He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5, NRSV).

Question for Meditation:
In your own pain or brokenness, where have you most deeply felt—or failed to recognize—Jesus walking with you?

Related Scripture: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

For Further Reading: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Lectio Divina: Valley Of Tears