"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
—Psalm 34:18
God is high above us, powerful and holy beyond our imagination. Yet, He chose to be called Immanuel—“God with us.” Sometimes I let my mind wander and imagine a world where God was different—a harsh, tyrannical ruler who found pleasure in our pain. It’s a dark thought, but it fills me with gratitude for the God we do have.
Our God doesn’t find joy in our suffering; instead, He entered into it. He took our sin and burdens on Himself, giving us freedom and peace. Though He is the Almighty, He comes close, sitting beside us in our struggles, calling us His friends, and carrying our pain on His own shoulders.
Thank you, Jesus, for being a God who draws near. Thank you for stepping into our world, for sharing in our pain, and for being the gentle Savior who always loves and never leaves. You are truly God with us and God for us