May 1, 2025 // Thursday of the Second Week of Easter // Optional Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm: Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20

Reflect on the Word // 

Strong waves of anguish and confusion consumed me as I searched for the comfort that my soul was craving. I cried out, yet I couldn’t grasp a response or solution to ease my pain. A deep sense of abandonment began to settle within my heart. I was drowning in the flood of my emotions, as the Lord was more silent than I had ever experienced. 

It’s been three years since I had experienced that moment of pain. Looking back, I can see that in that moment an answer to my heartbreak wasn’t going to satisfy me or bring me peace, but it was His very presence that would ultimately give me all I desired. Today’s Psalm is a reminder that He doesn’t abandon us in our pain. He chooses to draw closer to us than we can ever imagine (see Psalm 34:19). 

“When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,

and from all their distress he rescues them” (Psalm 34:18).

Friend, He is close to us in our suffering (see Psalm 34:19). He will rescue us from our distress and save us as we ache in our crushed spirit (see Psalm 34:18-19). He will take care of everything.  

But first, He just wants to be with us. To comfort us. To listen. To allow our cries to enter into the open doors of His Heart, where He holds us so dearly. He wants to be with us. We can trust that the One Who hears and holds our cry is also the One Who holds our redemption. He might not give a solution right away, but He will always give the gift of Himself. 

Relate to the Lord // When you are tempted to turn to your phone, food, or a friend today for comfort, instead ask the Holy Spirit to be your Comforter.