The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18). In instances of pain, sorrow, and loss, we reflect on our human condition and wonder if there is any meaning to these sufferings. Jesus Christ, in His humanity, experienced these same sorrows and we know that He wept even when He knew that He would resurrect Lazarus from the dead. At times, suffering may appear meaningless to us, but the Lord, in His providence, allows us to suffer, for through our suffering, we are united with Christ in His suffering.  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory (Romans 8:16-17).

Suffering has a tendency of crushing us. It shows us our inadequacy, our vulnerability; it humbles us. Faced with our inadequacy and feebleness, we turn to God. Just like an olive is crushed to draw out the oil, God allows suffering to crush us, to develop virtues within us. When we draw strength from within ourselves, our abilities, we become self-sufficient and proud. However, when we are weak and unable to help ourselves, we must humble ourselves and this allows God to work through us. As St Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, mentions about God’s grace, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Cor 12:9).

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, hopeless, and despair when faced with all kinds of sufferings. However, there is always grace available. The greater the sorrow, the greater the grace that is given to us. Whenever sorrow crushes us, God lifts us up. He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds (Psalms 147:3).

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