“Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. ‘Woman,’ Jesus said to her, ‘why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?’ Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, ‘Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.’”
John 20:14-15
Where are You, Lord?
Have you ever woken up with expectations for what your day would be like, only to find nothing happened as you planned? In John 20:14-15, we read how Mary Magdalene stood in front of Jesus’ empty tomb. She was confused, hurt, and bewildered. How do we find Him in the midst of our seeking and sobbing?
Nothing was going according to her to-do list for the day. Making matters even more distressing, she believed someone had taken her Lord’s body away. She had come early in the morning, expecting things to be quiet and peaceful, as she helped to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
Closer Than We Realize
Instead, she found herself running to the disciples, talking with two angels, searching, crying, and deeply upset. No, this was not the day she had expected at all. Here in the midst of her grief, confusion, and befuddlement, she turns from the tomb and sees Jesus.
Yet, she did not know it was He who was literally standing in front of her!
What Do You Seek?
Have you ever had a similar experience? The day doesn’t go like you planned. The news from the doctor is not as positive as you had thought. Your spouse has given up hope on your marriage. Many circumstances in life can leave us full of grief, confusion, and distress.
In the midst of those times, do you see Jesus? Do you have faith that Jesus is with you? Do you feel the Holy Spirit within you?
His Presence Unwavering
The good news is that God will not leave you. When you hurt, He hurts, too. Psalm 56:8 tells us that God keeps track of all our sorrows, collecting our tears in His bottle and recording the reason for each tear. He knows us, loves us, and is with us.
In the times when we don’t see Him or feel Him, we can trust the truth that He is with us always, just like He was with Mary. His presence in our lives never wavers.
Now What?
Take a moment to pray and thank God that we can always count on Him to be with us. Reflect on who in your life may be in a time of weeping, grieving, or confusion. Be intentional about spending time with them this week, encouraging them and reminding them they are not alone. Show them the compassion the Lord has shown you!
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