It is normal to go through moments of affliction and deep darkness that leave us tired and burdened. It is also normal to cry during those moments when we feel trapped and think we will never get out of them. However, we must understand that if we are in the powerful hands of the Lord, nothing can be difficult enough to cause our faith to fail. Even when our strength seems exhausted, God remains firm, faithful, and fully in control.
The Christian life is not exempt from trials, but in the midst of every painful process we discover the faithfulness of God. Afflictions are not always the result of punishment; many times they are the perfect opportunity for our faith to grow stronger and deeper. Through hardship we learn to trust fully in the Lord’s provision, guidance, and comfort. When we cry and feel as though our strength is fading, it is precisely in that moment that the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are not walking alone. Jesus has promised to be our refuge, our firm rock, and our constant support.
Throughout the Bible, we learn about countless men and women who, by faith, received victory from God over their greatest fears and most powerful enemies. Abraham believed in hope against hope. Moses confronted Pharaoh trusting completely in the presence of the Lord. David defeated Goliath declaring that the battle belonged to God. Esther stood before the king, risking her life, yet trusting in divine intervention. God never abandoned any of them, and we hold the same faithful promise that Jesus would be with us until the very end:
And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:20
Are you deeply afflicted today, to the point that you feel imprisoned and believe you will not be able to overcome this situation? Perhaps you are facing financial problems, illness, family conflicts, or uncertainty at work. Remember that Christ has promised to be with you every day until the end. Is there any greater or better company than that? We could not be in safer hands than those of our beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Him we are secure, and in Him we can rest even in the darkest moments of our lives.
When pain feels unbearable and tears will not stop flowing, that is when we must run into the arms of the Savior. The cross assures us that we are never alone in our suffering, because Christ Himself identified with our pain. He carried our sorrows, was despised, wounded, and humiliated, yet He overcame. The One who rose from the dead and lives forever is the same One who walks with us in every moment of affliction.
Jesus understands grief, anguish, and sorrow. He wept, He suffered, and He endured rejection. Therefore, when we cry out to Him, we are not speaking to a distant God, but to a compassionate Savior who knows our pain firsthand. His resurrection is our assurance that suffering does not have the final word.
On one occasion, the psalmist prayed in the midst of his affliction. Today, we invite you to join the psalmist in speaking these beautiful words to our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger,
Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak:
O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.3 My soul is also sore vexed:
But thou, O Lord, how long?4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul:
Oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee:
In the grave who shall give thee thanks?6 I am weary with my groaning;
All the night make I my bed to swim;
I water my couch with my tears.7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief;
It waxeth old because of all mine enemies.8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity;
For the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.9 The Lord hath heard my supplication;
The Lord will receive my prayer.10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed:
Let them return and be ashamed suddenly.Psalms 6:1–10
This cry reveals the depth of a wounded yet hopeful heart. The psalmist does not hide his pain; he expresses it with tears, acknowledges his weakness, and at the same time trusts that God hears his prayer. In the same way, we can come before God just as we are, carrying our burdens and brokenness, because the Lord does not despise a contrite and humble heart.
It is important that we make this prayer with faith. Let us remember that the Lord is not far from us. We live in Him, and He dwells in us. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, and our cries reach the throne of grace. Every tear poured out before God is seen, remembered, and transformed into hope.
Let nothing weaken our faith, because these afflictions we are facing today are meant to make our faith more precious than gold. Gold is tested by fire to be purified, and in the same way our faith passes through the furnace of trials to emerge stronger, refined, and radiant. Today’s tears will become tomorrow’s testimony, when we can proclaim that the Lord was by our side and gave us victory in the midst of the storm.
Therefore, do not lose hope. Your affliction is not eternal, and your pain will not last forever. Christ comes with healing, comfort, and strength. He promises to wipe away every tear and to give us a joy that the world cannot take away. So, in the middle of your sorrow, lift your eyes to heaven and trust in the One who never fails.