Jesus Knows Your Pain

“How are you, really?’’

When did this become my least favorite question? Gut clenched, spinning through options - how to respond? I could tell them the truth, or will an, “I’m fine, thanks,” be enough?
If I tell the truth, how much do I say? Do I want them to know I’m in pain? That I don’t have what it takes to have a pulled-together life?

Somewhere along the way, the goal to look like we have it all together has eclipsed the reality that we all need Jesus. We all have pain; there’s something broken in each of our lives. But there is no shame in this reality or a need to hide from it, for even Jesus suffered.

If being perfect wasn't enough to enable Jesus to avoid pain and brokenness, why do we expect that our efforts would be enough?

He didn’t hide the fact that there was pain in His life. We see examples of Jesus being criticized and rejected by His family (Mark 3:20-21) and friends (Mark 14:10-72).In the Garden of Gethsemane, when we see Jesus weeping before God, asking if there was any possible way He could avoid this suffering. Even then He didn’t apologize for His weakness, emotions, pain, or brokenness (Mark 14:36).

On the way to the cross, after being whipped, Jesus was unable to carry His cross. Why? Because He was weak. Jesus needed Simon of Cyrene to carry it for Him, and He wasn’t ashamed (Mark 15:21).

There’s no record of Jesus ever apologizing for His weakness. Sister, He gets it. There’s pain in your life? There was pain in His life, too.

Take it to Jesus, the One who understands more than anyone can or ever will- ourselves included. Fall at His feet, wash Him with your tears, anoint Him with your worship. Tears and worship fraught with pain have been moving the heart of God since ancient days. He’s not about to change.

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17, CSB).

Next time someone asks, “How are you, really?’ what will you say? I'd love to know if you're comfortable sharing in the comments.

Meet the Author
Joni Boyd

Joni lives in Sydney, Australia with her three grown kids and husband of two years, Nathan.

After being divorced several years ago, Joni is grateful for the healing God has since done in her family and in herself. While she never expected to be divorced or remarried, this season is a precious gift from God and she is grateful for all of it.

Joni is passionate about encouraging women to go deeper with Jesus - so they would know that while life may not be as smooth as we’d like, Jesus is not afraid of the mess, nor does He lack the power to heal and transform.