God is with you all the time

By Vivian Marino

Throughout life, we are thrown random curveballs of trials and tribulations. I have asked myself countless times, does God notice? Does he care to help us?

To answer this question, I turned to Scripture, and that is where I can see he truly does in a loving and merciful way.

He notices when we physically suffer. Take, for example, the passage of the hemorrhaging woman. This woman had been suffering for 12 years. She was physically drained and was deemed an outcast by society. Desperate for healing, she got close enough to merely touch the hem of Jesus’s garment; she was instantly healed. Her faith was so profound that it radiated through Jesus as she touched his garment. He noticed her simple touch and her faith saved her.

He notices when we are emotionally drained. Take, for example, the woman at the well. On route back to Galilee, Jesus went through Samaria, and he waited for her by Jacob’s well. He knew her humiliation and all that she had suffered. He chose her to be the first person to reveal himself as the Messiah. Jesus noticed her and exhibited his love and unending mercy.

He notices when we are curious, but afraid, because we are marked by sin. Take the example of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. Despised by society, but curious to see Jesus, he had to climb a tree to see him. Jesus noticed him up in the tree and told him to come down because he would be staying at his home that night.

Jesus sees us for who we truly are and he can transform hearts.

In all three situations, Jesus took notice; all three examples were purposeful encounters.

Isn’t this what we desire during life’s trials? We want to feel Jesus’s presence and to be noticed and acknowledged for our pain and suffering. I am reminded of Luke 12:7, “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are more valuable than many sparrows.” This is our God … all-knowing, loving and merciful. He takes notice.

The question is do we notice him?