Today's verse which is found in the account of Lazarus being raised from the dead is said to be the shortest verse in the Bible.  Perhaps, because of its brevity, we may simply overlook it OR fail to take the time to truly consider the impact of these words on our lives. 

Wept is the past tense form of weep which means to express grief, sorrow, or any overpowering emotion by shedding tears.  Why did Jesus who knew that He could ask His Father for anything WEEP?

First of all, Jesus wept because He loved Lazarus AND Lazarus' family.  He experienced the feelings associated with losing someone as many of us have felt.

Secondly, Jesus wept because He knew others around Him were hurting. He was able to feel the pain that they were experiencing just as we have.

Lastly, Jesus wept because He experienced human pain and suffering on a deep emotional level similar to the intense pain we have encountered. 

Through our understanding of His feelings, we are able to approach God in prayer knowing that we serve a MIGHTY God who UNDERSTANDS EVERYTHING we will ever face! We can go to Him in tears ... we can freely express our grief because He UNDERSTANDS ... He has felt our pain!

My challenge to you today is to hold nothing back from God! If you are struggling with relationships, know that He UNDERSTANDS feelings of betrayal. If you experiencing work-related issues, know that He was a carpenter.  He UNDERSTANDS the pressures associated with searching for work and dealing with difficult customers and co-workers. If you are barely making ends meet, realize that Jesus UNDERSTANDS what it is to live from pay-check to pay-check without the security of a 401K.

Always remember no matter how hopeless things may seem that JESUS WEPT ... AND that He is always there to wipe away your tears when you weep!

Dear Lord, You know that it breaks my heart to see that Jesus experienced emotional pain as I have.  Help me to always find comfort in knowing that the lover of my soul truly understands what I am going through. 

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

 

Reflection:  Have you been hesitant in going to God because you feel He doesn't understand?