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Pointers along the way #104

Sharing our griefs
- Jacob Ninan

However close someone is with us, it is still impossible for that person to enter fully into our feelings when we go through times of sorrow, perplexity or confusion. Those who have been through similar situations may know something about what we are going through. But even they cannot fully understand us because no two people are exactly alike, and many factors in our life influence the way we feel and the way we look at things.

On top of that some of the people we meet may be callous towards our feelings, some may be indifferent and some others may be insensitive. Instead of words that should help and encourage us they may say things that may hurt us further, some in ignorance, and some with good intentions but without proper understanding. We can't totally avoid people giving us unsolicited advice or making unwise comments that hurt us. But we can learn to become tough and to avoid bothering about them too much.

But there is One who understands us perfectly and who is totally committed to be on our side all the time. "Tell it to Jesus." He knows, He cares, He understands. He knows us even from our mother's womb because He is the One who created us (Ps.139:13). He knows everything about us, all that we have said and done and all that we have experienced. He knows our thoughts even from a distance (v.2). Even before we say something He knows our words (v.4). He knows exactly how we feel because He has been tempted just like we are (He.4:15). In all His thoughts towards us He is planning for our good (Je.29:11). He knows how frail we are, and makes sure that we shall not have to face more than we will be able to manage along with His help (Ps.103:13,14;1Co.10:13). He will not scold us when we go to Him in our need (Jas.1:5), or throw us out (Jn.6:37).

We can share with Him whatever is on our mind, without fear or embarrassment. Our limitations of grammer or knowledge of theology will not put Him off. He understands even broken words and the groanings of our spirit (Ro.8:26). In fact, He is not going to be upset even if we tell Him our complaints, doubts, fears, worries, problems with people, etc., because He knows we are seeking Him because we don't know what to do and we need His help.

Like the hymn says,

"Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer."

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