¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ 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 ESV)

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We’ve all been in situations where we’ve felt like nobody could possibly understand us. Our thoughts, our feelings, our experiences can feel so deep, so original, that there is no way any other soul could just “get it.” That feeling can be isolating and overwhelming, often causing us to turn away from community rather than towards it—which is exactly what we should be doing during the hard moments.

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This year I had the privilege of being part of a discipleship group at my school, through which I got to read Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers, by Dane Ortland. The book is such a beautiful reminder of the true Friend and Savior we have in Christ, and his genuine love for us as his children. One of my favorite parts of the book says, “Our tendency is to feel intuitively that the more difficult life gets, the more alone we are. As we sink further into pain, we sink further into felt isolation. The Bible corrects us. Our pain never outstrips what he himself shares in. We are never alone. The sorrow that feels so isolating, so unique was endured by him in the past and is now shouldered by him in the present.” Original experiences are non-existent, simply because of Christ. He has faced everything we have and will face. There is nothing that is out of reach for Jesus. He knows.

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The Lord calls us to lean into him and our fellow believers no matter the hill or valley. He IS our strength and our joy. When we choose to rely on him, to allow him to guide us and work in our lives, we receive the true and genuine rest we desire. You are never alone—he has walked through the same temptations and difficulties we face, and he walks alongside us through them now. When we recognize that, the hardships we face no longer feel so isolating and unbearable, but rather an opportunity to trust in his faithfulness. He will not fail you. He will provide everything you need to fulfill his purpose for you if you lean on him.  

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Christ is not unapproachable. He loves you, and he seeks a relationship with you. Sometimes it feels so out of reach because of our self-isolation, but he is always right there waiting for you. But it is on us to meet him, to confide in him. He has stretched out his hand and now he’s simply waiting for you to take it. We can rest in him forevermore, knowing that not only does he save us, but he feels with us. He knows and understands everything. When things feel unbearable and too much, we can give it to the One who overcame it all. It’s so important to remember that we serve the One who conquered it all. There is nothing that he cannot handle. He faced everything we faced, yet without sin. He sympathizes with us to the maximum capacity, yet it is never too much for him. That is why we can run to him. His sinlessness is our salvation. When it all becomes too much, he is sufficient.  

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Jesus was fully man and fully God. He is the mediator between us and God. By him we are made perfect before the Lord and can draw near without fear or sadness. Because of him, we are able to have a relationship with God. Rest in that relationship. Rest in his mercy and grace. Run to him through every high and every low. He is and will always be with you.

The action step I would encourage you to take this week is simply prayer. Turn everything into prayer – your worries and praises, your fears and your joys. God wants you to lay everything at his feet. Choose to pursue active surrender, because the One that is in control is so much bigger than anything we feel or encounter in this world.

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Father, thank you for your endless faithfulness. Thank you that I am never truly alone. I recognize that you are always there for me, walking alongside me. Help me to cherish and honor that blessing. Remind me to lean on you during all of the highs and all of the lows. Push me to step into community and into the journey you have for me when I am feeling alone and I am tempted to isolate myself. I pray that you would not only remind me of my identity in you but also who YOU are—in that, you will always be approachable and merciful. In your mighty name I pray, Amen.