READ: PSALM 46:1-11; LUKE 19:10; JOHN 8:12; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-11

Feeling so down
Laying on the ground
Tears fall from my eyes
Then I get a surprise

A hand on my back
Comforting, not an attack
Someone to dry my tears
Be with me in my fears

Help me get up again
Walk where I’ve never been
Jesus, there for me
In ways I never knew He could be

When I was ready to give up
He showed me His love was enough
Brought me back to the light
Told me I would be alright • Bethany Acker

• Have you ever been surprised by Jesus’s comfort? Has His nearness ever brought you peace in a hard time? If so, consider taking a moment to thank God for this. If not, you can ask God for this anytime; He loves to answer these prayers.

• Sometimes, life in our broken world can be overwhelming. But Jesus does not stand far off—He is so very near, ready to help and comfort us. Have you ever imagined Jesus being physically present with you? After all, Jesus is God in flesh (John 1:14). He is fully human, even as He is also fully God. When He came and lived among us, people could talk with Him, eat with Him, lean against Him, even beat Him and bruise Him. He fully entered into all the joys and sorrows of human life. Ultimately, He gave up His life for us. He walked where we never could—He lived a sinless life and took our sins upon Himself, dying a terrible death on a cross, so that we could be forgiven and brought near to God. But the evils of death could not hold our wondrous Lord—He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death once and for all and declaring that, when He returns, pain and sorrow will be no more. On that day, He will be physically present with us again, and all who trust in Him will live with Him forever. In the meantime, He is still very much with us—through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). He is intimately involved in our lives. Every moment of every day, He is there for us. Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus right beside you, and talk to Him about whatever comes to mind.

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about what you’re going through, such as a friend, parent, counselor, teacher, coach, or pastor?

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NLT)