A video circulating out there captures haunting images of this “pivotal historical moment we just went stumbling past.” A worried post shows on screen: “Are we going to be ok?”

Global humanity is reeling and reaching to each other through glass barriers, computer screens and phones. Desperate people are despairing. People are dying alone. Where is God in all this? Has He distanced Himself as well?

Yesterday morning, I read this in a devotional from Henri Nouwen:

“God has not withdrawn himself. He sent his Son to share our human condition and the Son sent us his Spirit to lead us into the intimacy of his divine life. It is in the midst of the chaotic suffering of humanity that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Love, makes himself visible. But can we recognize his presence?”[1]

God makes Himself visible in the chaotic suffering of humanity. See Him in sacrificial kindness. See Him in breaking hearts and in tears rolling down masked faces. See Him in the exhaustion of a nurse. Know Him in the pain of separation. No one has felt it like He has felt it.

This is what God says to us today…read it like you’ve never seen it before…

Fear not for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned.;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you…
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Isaiah 43:1-5

He stands beside you and with you and carries you when you pass through great suffering because you are dear to Him. He loves you beyond your capacity to understand, and He will lead you into the intimacy of His divine life.

I keep thinking of C.S. Lewis’ words through Aslan, “Courage, dear heart.”

---

[1] Nouwen, Henri J. M. (2017) You Are the Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living. New York, New York: Convergent Books.