Today morning this verse leapt out at me.
For He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and He has not hidden His face from Him, but has heard, when He cried to him. (Ps 22:24)
Or as the Message translation puts it –
He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening. (Ps 22:24)
The last several months have been challenging. Nothing serious. Just me – wrestling with various issues and trying to make sense of certain people and issues, wondering what really God wanted me to do – I guess you could say I was going through an existential crisis of sorts.
One thing I learnt with absolute clarity through these months is that God NEVER despises my doubts and wrestlings. In fact, He delights to bring truth and settle foundations.
Others may trivialise your pain/ wrestlings but God never does. Others may distance themselves from you in your moments of weakness, but God enters into your pain and pours His strength into your emptiness and lack.
I don’t know where you are at (for that matter I don’t know where I am at) but today I know with certainty that God does not hide His face from us, but He offers us His right hand of fellowship and strength to lift us up and strongly support us.
Incidentally this is the Psalm Jesus quoted from on the cross. It begins ‘My God, my God why have you forsaken me.’ But it has this beautiful reminder midway, that God does not turn His face away from the afflicted one but hears his prayer.
It carries a beautiful promise –
The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! …(Ps 22:26)
speak peace always 
Gede Prama
thank you, the article and the true happiness rays began to warm hearts, when we share it with sincerity. Greetings from Gede Prama 🙂
speakpeacealways
Thank you for stopping by. I am so glad that our Father’s love warmed your heart. 🙂 Shalom!
Celestial
So true, others may trivialize our pains and distanced themselves but God has been with us to give strength and who could only satisfy the emptiness and lack we feel. Praise God for this. Thank you. 🙂
speakpeacealways
Our kind and loving Father is always looking for ways to encourage and strengthen us. We are so blessed to be His children. Shalom dear sister!
qoheleth1958
Ah, you archer of the Lord! This message came straight to my heart, just as our Lord intended. I have been enduring trials lately – but am assured that He is with me. Thank you!
speakpeacealways
Our Dear Father in Heaven always finds ways to encourage us and give us little signs that He has not forgotten us… Shalom!