God Understands

     Often times when we are faced with something difficult or scary, we wonder if anyone really understands how we feel.  I asked myself that

when I went in for my heart catheterization a couple of weeks ago.  Yes, I had prayed about it, and been prayed for by many other brothers and sisters in Christ including my dear family.  However, when it comes to the day and time, there is always some apprehension that goes with any test.  We think about the outcome and consider the possibilities.  Ultimately, we know that we are in God's Hands, but calming the nerves is often hard.
     As always, I turned to the Bible to seek God's counsel in His Word.  There are so many scriptures that assure us of His love and tender care.  Psalm 103:13-18 tells us:  "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.  For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.  As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.  But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments."  These words ring with truth and comfort.
     Knowing that God has compassion for us and is aware of our frail frame helps us know we can trust in Him.  We are His children through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  Nothing can separate us from His love or tear us out of His hand.  While our physical bodies will one day die, our souls live forever under the care of our Great Shepherd Jesus Christ.
     Another scripture I read and found comfort in is Psalm 145:9:  "The Lord is good to all, and His mercy over all that He has made."  His mercy knows no end, and when we face scary things, it is good to meditate on these scriptures.
     When we arrived at the hospital for the procedure that day, I was pleasantly surprised to see scriptures written on the walls.  The hospital is run by the Adventist system, and they are not afraid to post scripture for all to see.  What comfort as I came upon verse after verse reminding me that God was with me all the way.   It was at that moment that I realized that God not only understood my fear, but He was there to give me peace. There are many occasions when we think no one really knows what we are going through, but God does.  He walked this earth, breathed the same air we breathe, He experienced temptation, rejection and abuse, but unlike us, He never sinned.  Therefore, He knows what we are going through.  He is our perfect high priest who is fully able to identify with every emotion, thought and feeling that we have; yet, He has overcome the world.  Because we are in Him, we too shall overcome.
     Knowing that God understands our pain, our fear, or regret in the various circumstances in life should encourage us during difficult times.  We must remember that nothing is impossible to face with God's help.  The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:37 that "we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."  Daily we must remind ourselves that when no one else understands us, God does.  Selah!