Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? [Psalm 10:1 NIV]
I think most of us can relate to these questions. Our brains scream out these questions in times of trouble. The word "Why?" is prevalent when we see a loved one suffering. When my first wife died I asked it. Watching my wife struggle with disability I ask it. It is a very normal and human response.
Yet there is another response that I experience. Compassion. This word is never about questions or accusations. Compassion embraces suffering and, like the Holy Spirit, comes alongside a friend to help. Instead of looking for the cause of the pain, compassion answers the pain with empathy.
I fell last month and fractured my hip. Compassionate friends listened to me recount the accident. These friends empathized, prayed and sought ways to help me in my need. I felt their hearts of compassion. It helped me to get past my brain's "Why?" questions. I am glad that compassion ruled the day.
Thank you Lord for compassionate friends that help us get past "Why?" questions.
... this devotion is part of a series about King David.
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