Prayer when overwhelmed by the sufferings of this world
Written by Sophia Bricker
Bible reading:
“Because of the great love of the Lord we will never perish, for his mercies never fail” (Lamentations 3:22, NIV).
Listen or read below:
I quit my job as a tutor and looked out the window. The trees continued to stand as reliable sentinels of my time, their leaves waving in the wind. Still, it remained in the broken state I had just read about in a student’s paper, and I wondered why nothing had changed.
She was compiling research into the experiences of women in refugee camps and the harassment they face on a daily basis. As I read her paper, I couldn’t help but imagine them sharing their stories of suffering. Not only have they been forced to flee their homes by war and violence and endured the loss of loved ones, but now they must deal with trauma and live with the fear of further pain. As I think back on what these women went through, tears well up in my eyes and I look away from my computer screen and into the light outside. What can I do when the world is suffering so much?
At that moment, I didn’t know how to help these women or make a difference, but I bowed my head and prayed.
The prophet Jeremiah also experienced sadness when he saw the suffering around him. Jeremiah, called the “weeping prophet” by scholars, endured the siege of Jerusalem and then witnessed its destruction. He witnessed firsthand the loss of life and devastation caused by the Babylonian invasion. The Book of Lamentations contains his cry to God and an honest expression of his feelings. As he wrote, “My eyes fail with weeping, and I am troubled in my heart. My heart is poured out on the ground, for my people are destroyed, and children and infants are fainting in the streets of the city” (Lamentations 2:11, NIV).
But in the midst of his mourning, Jeremiah turned his thoughts back to hope. He remembered that even though the desolation surrounded him, the love of the Lord was still present. Only because of God, God’s people were not destroyed and a remnant remained. Although sadness and darkness remained around him, he knew he could put his hope in the Lord and wait patiently for deliverance.
The Lord has given the answer to the evils of the world. His Son died on the cross for the sins of mankind. Jesus died to bring us life, and when He returns, He will destroy death and bring rebirth to this broken world. Every tear shed from sorrow, trouble, and pain will be wiped away by the Lord who gave Himself to save us (Revelation 21:4).
Just as Jeremiah was reminded in the darkness of the fall of Jerusalem, we too can know that God sees the suffering and injustice that occurs daily. He told the prophet not to be afraid (Lamentations 3:57). Nothing is overlooked by the One who sees all and knows all. The Lord is still working in ways we don’t always understand, inviting us to join in His work to bring peace, goodness, and love to the broken places of the world.
So let us pour out our hearts, pray, and mourn to the One who loves us. And let us be willing to obey God’s Word and use our lives to let others know that they are not alone and that there is a better true story than the darkness would have us believe.
Let’s pray:
All great God,
You see all the brokenness in the world and know more than I about the evil that exists in the hearts of humanity. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the stories of suffering I encounter. There is so much sorrow: for those who are starving, for children without parents, for families torn apart by war and violence, for those suffering in poverty and slavery, for the beloved daughters of your creation who are exploited and assaulted. My heart breaks when I think of their lives and the sense of hopelessness that characterizes their days.
Lord, I also know that your heart hurts for them. So I ask you to be with them. Show them your love and grace and comfort them in their suffering. Also, please let me know how I can help, even in my small and limited role in the world. Can I join in the work you are already doing to share the good news with others?
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Join the conversation! Please share how today’s devotional spoke to you in the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kitzcorner
Listen to Greg Rory’s new show!
Everyone talks about life after death, but what about life before death? Do you wonder, “Why am I here?” How can I be truly happy? Does my life matter or why do I feel empty inside? ” and “What really happens when we die?” Pastor Greg Laurie has helped millions of people find deep hope through true faith. On “The Greg Rory Show,” he candidly shares his journey from despair, addiction, and abuse to a spiritual revolution that changed everything. Drawing on decades of impactful ministry, Greg tackles life’s deepest questions and offers timeless biblical wisdom, practical guidance, and a compelling vision for lives radically transformed by Christ. Pastor Greg empowers listeners to navigate today’s cultural challenges, uncover spiritual truths, and discover lasting joy and meaning in their relationship with God.
Now that you’ve prayed, do you need someone to pray for you? Click the button below
