Presence.

PRESENCE.

What could be more comforting than presence? Language can’t even equal to the consolation that mere presence brings.

Women often express pain in words. Once they talk it through, they usually feel better. There are times, though, when even words become an insufficient balm for the soul.

When we question the validity of our emotions, sometimes, we choose to ignore them. Perhaps, sin has become so common. And because everyone sins, we feel we are only overreacting if we are hurt by the sins of others.

Sometimes, because of our need to protect, we choose to remain silent. There may also be times when we just don’t understand how we should react or how we should feel. So we try to dismiss — the feelings, the anger, the hurt.

Nevertheless, the pain remains. Buried. Deep. Unconfronted.

Other people say, “you can’t cry”. Crying is for the weak. Vulnerability won’t help. Stand up, get busy, do something.

So, you bury it even more. You take pain relievers. Then, more pain relievers. Plus more and more pain relievers.

Temporary pain relievers.

But the pain remains. More Buried. Deeper. Still Unconfronted.

Here is where you need presence. Silent, yes, but comforting.

When you don’t need to speak to be understood, nevertheless, you are understood. When you don’t need to say, “I need you to stay”, nevertheless, you are heard.

Others are blessed by keen friends. Friends who choose to silently pray, other friends choose to silently stay.

But if you don’t have those friends, there is one presence you need — Jesus. He can understand your deepest pain. In fact, He can feel every sting. With Him, vulnerability is allowed. Crying is okay. No judgments. No explanations. He will stay.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps 34:18, NIV.