(C) 2009, Amy S. Lewis
It’s a dreaded time in a horse owner’s life – choosing to put down a beloved horse. It’s an emotional tug of war between sparing a horse from ongoing pain and sparing herself the pain of life without the horse. It’s difficult to know you’re taking a life; overwhelming sadness consumes her.
I received an email early one morning from a friend. She was putting her horse down that day. He had a serious neurological disorder that affected his muscles and caused him to collapse mid-stride. In a follow-up note the next day, she advised me to never walk that road alone. She brought her horse to the vet by herself and it was agonizing.
My friend had a choice. She didn’t have to put her horse down. But it was the humane loving thing to do. Going alone, she could have easily turned the truck around and gone home. There was no one that was going to hold her accountable if she did. But she didn’t retreat. She made the tough – right – choice.
Christ also had a choice. He didn’t have to die on the cross for us. He could’ve spared himself the pain. But it was the humane, loving thing for him to do – to spare us of eternal suffering. It was agonizing for him. In Matthew 26:38, Jesus said, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.”
He too walked the road alone. Matthew 26:56b says, “At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.” And yet, he continued to follow God’s will, God’s plan for our salvation. He knew that the wages of sin was death (Romans 6:8) and that his death would cover our sin. We would be spared our due punishment because he loved us enough to chose to walk the road to Calvary alone.
When you’re facing difficult times and feeling alone, remember what Christ suffered for us. Remember that he sees your pain and he’s felt it, too. Lean on him for strength, knowing that he is with you always. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He sees every tear that falls.
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.”
Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Questions for reflection:
1. What difficult situation do you face today that fills you with grief? How can you invite God into your pain?
2. What Christian friend could you look to for support in your difficulty? Who may God have put in your path to help you through your trial? Will you seek them out today?
3. Do you believe that God comforts those who mourn? Why or why not? How have you felt his comfort in your grief?
