“Shhhh; I’m here.”
“It’s OK. Mommy’s got you.”
“Don’t worry; I’ll be right there with you.”
“Shhhh, look at me; I’m right here. It’s going to be OK.”
These are phrases that we use to comfort small children when they are afraid, hurt, or overwhelmed by life. Although we may not be able or willing to make the difficulty go away (babies really do need to be evaluated by doctors, toddlers really do need to endure uncomfortable things such as vacuum cleaners moving through the house, and large moments of transition are a common matter of life in young children’s experience), we use our own presence to give stability and comfort.
Have you ever noticed how often God Himself uses His own presence as a response to our fear, pain, or overwhelm?
To Isaac, in a season of neighborhood conflict: “Fear not, for I am with you” (Genesis 26:24)
To Jacob, after he was evicted from his home: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15)
To Joshua as he became leader of Israel: “I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5)
To the Israelites: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:10)
To the disciples, as Jesus commissioned them and ascended into heaven: “And behold, I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20)
This semester, the counseling team is teaching a four week class on the theology of suffering, specifically the way the theology of suffering intersects with everyday life. The goal is not abstract theology, but practical help for the fears, griefs, and overwhelming moments of life.
This practical help is not a series of 5 Easy Steps to Overcoming Grief. Rather, it is clinging to Christ, holding in tension the facts that He is sovereign, He is good, and He is kind, and sometimes our pain remains.
Instead of giving easy solutions or quick relief, He often tells us “Look at Me; I’m right here. It’s going to be OK.”
This class will meet October 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 11:15am in the sanctuary.