Does God Understand You? - GOD IS VERY COMPASSIONATE

Can knowing that God understands our situation and feelings help us deal with adversity?  Consider what happened to Anna, from Nigeria.  "I questioned whether life was worth living because of my desperate circumstances,"  she explains.  "I was a widow caring for my daughter, who was in the hospital with hydrocephalus (excessive fluid in the brain), when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.  It was extremely difficult for me to handle being in the hospital at the same time that my ailing daughter was."  

What helped Anna to cope?  "I pondered over scriptures such as Philippians 4:6, 7, which says that 'the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers.'  Each  time this scripture came to mind, I felt a close personal bond with Jehovah,  knowing that he understands me better than I understand myself.  I also received much encouragement from my beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in the Christian congregation.

"Even though I still struggle with my health, my situation and that of my daughter have improved.  Because we have Jehovah on our side, we have learned not to think negatively when we face challenges. James 5:11 assures us:  "We consider happy those who have endured.  You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection [or, "very compassionate,"] and merciful."  Jehovah understood Job's situation perfectly, and we can be sure that he likewise understands any difficulties we go through.

Next time: Does God Have Empathy?

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