“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
-Hebrews 4:15-16
I have been thinking a lot about comfort recently, realizing comfort has often equaled “feeling better” and “leaving the season of hard circumstances” for me. It’s been the relief after the sadness where I find comfort.
But, sometimes the grief we are in is worth grieving and the tears we cry are worth crying. What do we do then… in the during?
God’s word tells us we have a High Priest in Jesus who knows very literally the depths of our weaknesses and our struggles (Hebrews 4:15-16). He has skin in the game. He is far above the Mosaic priesthood because He has perfect holiness. Aka-not only did Jesus experienced every need/temptation/fleshly struggle but He was able to do so without sin!
You ever had someone comfort you who had been through the exact same struggle as you? Who knew just what to say (or not say)? Who cried with you and held you and when you were ready to hear it, told you the hope of a new day? Oh how much more our Jesus is to us when we experience the freedom in drawing near to the throne of grace, just as we are, in our mess and grief and struggle.
As I have been meditating on this concept, the Lord also ministered to me on another account. His grace and comfort is quite personal. The space we create and the discipline we have to go to the throne of grace (when we feel like running) is met with individual growth in our relationship with Him. Our ears become attuned to the personal whispers we receive during this time (John 10: 27-28). It is not simply a one-sided conversation, but our High Priest gently speaks to our hearts specifically in ways only He can know we need. I pray for those who need comfort today that you would know the personal stake Jesus has in your own struggle.