Tuesday, May 20 You have seen my affliction; you are aware of my deep distress.​—Ps. 31:7.

[Áine]

Tuesday, May 20

You have seen my affliction; you are aware of my deep distress.—Ps. 31:7.

 

When you face a trial that makes you afraid, remember that Jehovah takes note of the trial and of how that trial makes you feel. For example, Jehovah noticed not only the mistreatment of the Israelites in Egypt but also “the pains they [suffered].” (Ex. 3:7) You may wonder, though, how Jehovah is supporting you while you face a frightening trial. So ask him to help you to see his support. (2 Ki. 6:15-17) Then consider: Has a talk or a comment at a congregation meeting strengthened you? Has a publication, a video, or an original song encouraged you? Has someone shared a reassuring thought or scripture with you? We might easily take for granted our loving brotherhood and the spiritual food we receive. Yet, they are extraordinary gifts from Jehovah. (Isa. 65:13; Mark 10:29, 30) They prove that he cares about you. (Isa. 49:14-16) And they prove that he is worthy of your trust. w24.01 4-5 ¶9-10

[Watching and Waiting]

This from @Ludwika during Gems Ps 31 April ‘24 was well worth remembering:

 

Jehovah had seen his [David’s] afflictions and distress (7).  One Commentary says "It is much, in the time of trouble, to know that all our feelings are understood by God, that he sees all our sorrows, and that he will not (disregard) them.” It gives us a sense of security not experienced, nor understood, by those in the world. 

[dljbsp]

Maybe another quiet lesson here: Jehovah doesn’t just see our distress—he validates it. That means our pain isn’t exaggerated, inconvenient, or brushed aside. In a world that often minimizes what people go through, how comforting that Jehovah’s response is never, “It’s not that bad.” Instead, it’s “I see it. I know. And I care.