Today in the Word

The Tears of the Oppressed

Ecclesiastes 4:1–6

​You’re human, so I know you’ve experienced difficulties in life. I also imagine that at some point you’ve confided in someone else about a struggle or difficult time you’re going through. I have a few of those go-to people when  I’m really struggling, including my wife and my childhood best friend. They always offer comfort  and hope when I can’t see my way forward. But before they offer comfort, they will stop and acknowledge the struggle itself. “Man, I hate that, Russ,” they’ll say. Or “Yeah, that stinks.”  Recognizing the reality of life’s struggle helps us navigate it well.

In Ecclesiastes 4, the Teacher acknowledges the reality of suffering in the world. He looks at the world with clear eyes and tells the truth about what he sees: There is oppression, those who are  oppressed are often without comfort, and power is on the side of the oppressors (v. 1). Though he does not act to alleviate the oppression, nor “call out” the oppressors, nor even directly offer comfort himself, his simple acknowledgment of suffering and difficulty is a breath of fresh air.

In his pain, the Psalmist cried out, “Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?” (Ps. 56:8). The psalms reassure us that God sees and notes our troubles. He is also our safe place of retreat and protection. In Psalm 9:9 we read, “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” In the same manner, Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us that the Lord sees us in our difficulty. Knowing that God saw your trial may not immediately alleviate your suffering, but it can give you hope. God really does see you, and He understands the difficulty you walk through. He loves you.

Go Deeper

Have you experienced the simple act of someone acknowledging your pain? How can you offer to someone else that same act of loving by listening and really hearing them?

Pray with Us: Lord Jesus, You cried over Jerusalem and over the death of Your friend Lazarus. You see our tears and pain, and You understand. Our trials are not unnoticed, and that gives us hope and great comfort. You are indeed our refuge and strength!

Dear Lord Jesus,

I want to welcome and bless children as You did...

...Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me
and do not hinder them,
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14

Today I pray for the children in my family, in my community and for children all around the world. The pressures and stresses that have been brought on by social media alone are strong. Please intervene in these children’s lives and hearts so that they may come to know You and Your love. May their identity be grounded in You. May they know that their worth comes from You. I lift up the children that are lonely, or are victims of bullying or are under the immense pressure to “fit in.” Let Your Holy Spirit minister to each one and protect their hearts and minds. Please help me to be an encouragement to the children in my life. Please send men and women of God to teach and disciple each child. I pray for a generation of children that will grow into strong followers of Jesus and who will work towards making the world a place full of God’s grace and love.

Please help each child to grow as Jesus grew...

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature,
and in favor with God and men.
Luke 2:52

In the powerful name of Jesus I pray,

Amen.

7 Things We Can Control, and How God Walks with Us in Each of Them

1. God Is with Us in How We Handle Challenges

We also have control over how we handle challenges. Life isn’t meant to be easy. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

In Jesus, we have peace. He sent us the Holy Spirit, who walks with us and helps us. We don’t face our obstacles alone. Indeed, the Bible tells us we don’t have to worry about overcoming our obstacles. They are already handled, “Because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

So we can be inspired and encouraged to stand strong in the face of adversity. The battle is already won.

1. God Is with Us in How We Handle Challenges

We also have control over how we handle challenges. Life isn’t meant to be easy. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).