In Plain Sigh
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.”- Romans 8:22-23
People needing Jesus are IN PLAIN SIGH all around us. No, that is not a typo, because as much as people are visible to us in plain sight, the Holy Spirit is wanting us to see the “invisible” dealing with deep internal struggles and sadness. The Lord is wanting us to hear the cries of the hurting and to see people with the eyes that Jesus did, full of compassion and ready to care. In Matthew 9:36 we read, “When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
I have become increasingly aware of the INTENSE BATTLES that people are facing. We need to find the ones who are faking it. So many people are good at putting on a smile, masking their feelings, and answering others with the default line, “I’m okay.” The reality is that people everywhere (out in the world and even in the church are fighting through life, trying to find answers, crying out to God for help, and barely holding on. Romans 12:15 commands us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
In the last two weeks alone, I have seen so much struggle:
- A dear friend who visited church on a Sunday and died unexpectedly the following week.
- A woman who attends church online asking for prayer and help in dealing with insomnia.
- A man concerned for a younger family member that is facing criminal charges and a court case.
- A world that has its attention on the escalating tension and war taking place in Israel.
The Holy Spirit will lead us on a journey of love, presence, and care for those who are not even on our radar. May we be able to see and seek out, the family member dealing with deep sadness and feeling like an outcast; the angry and aloof neighbor whose heart has been hardened by hurt; the overconfident co-worker who is really an insecure child on the inside; the person who sits next to us in church who desperately needs a friend. May we not only be moved with a DEEP COMPASSION for people, but a DAILY CONSIDERATION that causes us to be more AWARE of others and ready to ATTEND to them with the love of Jesus. Colossians 3:12 tells us, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”