What Comfort?

What comfort can we give?

Nay, it is not encouraging words,
nor carefully chosen quotes.

Is comfort not this—

A listening ear, free from judgment,
an open heart that makes room for grief?

That your door remains open
for the weary to come,
and find shelter when storms arise.

Not solving every problem,
nor explaining every sorrow,
but grieving together,
hand in hand.

To sit in silence when words are few,
to remain when others have left,
to bear a little of another's burden
simply by being there.

The greatest comfort is not
knowing the pain will soon fade,
nor the promise that tomorrow
will be easier than today.

The greatest comfort is this:

That the Savior sees.
That the Savior understands.

He knows every tear unspoken,
every wound hidden from sight,
every burden too heavy for words.

And when none can fully understand,
He remains—

Present, compassionate,
and near to the brokenhearted.