There is a profound Negro spiritual that aptly describes the feelings of millions around the world.
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Nobody knows my sorrow
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Sometimes I’m up
Sometimes I’m down
Oh, yes, Lord
Sometimes I’m almost to the ground
Oh, yes, Lord
Oh, nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen
Most of us are part of a world of nobodies, filled with various troubles. In our isolated positions, we often feel that nobody knows the trouble we are experiencing.
The good news is that Jesus knows and cares for us. He is aware of our hopes and dreams, our sorrows and difficulties, and he truly cares about what is taking place in our lives.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9.36).
In the time of Micah, during Jesus’ era, and in our current lives, a significant cause of our being harassed and helpless often stems from leaders who prioritize serving their own selfish interests rather than serving the needs of the people.
As the spiritual song suggests, during times of trouble when we feel unseen and our needs misunderstood, we can turn to Jesus for guidance and comfort.
On the other hand, there’s the option to seek temporary relief from our pain through means such as addictions, entertainment, or even resorting to violence.
For all the peoples walk,
each in the name of its god,
but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God
forever and ever. - Micah 4.5
When facing oppression, harassment, and helplessness, along with the immediate need for food, shelter, and security, it becomes challenging to focus on anything beyond these necessities.
In such circumstances, people frequently resort to relying on idols that they believe they can control. They offer what they think the idol desires in hopes of receiving what they feel they need.
Faithful followers of God place their trust in His promises and His compassion, instead of attempting to manipulate Him to resolve their issues. They live their lives embodying the character and values associated with God’s name.
God’s Preferred Future
As we read the next verses, let’s notice to whom they are addressed: the lame, the driven away, the afflicted, the remnant, and the cast off.
On that day, says the Lord,
I will assemble the lame
and gather those who have been driven away
and those whom I have afflicted.
The lame I will make the remnant,
and those who were cast off, a strong nation,
and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion
now and forevermore.
And you, O tower of the flock,
hill of daughter Zion,
to you it shall come,
the former dominion shall come,
the sovereignty of daughter Jerusalem. - Micah 4.6-8
Over the years, those who have sung the song, “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” recognize that there is one who does see and know, and that one is the one who counts the most.
Jesus sees and knows what’s going on, and he has a future for those who have suffered such difficulties.
I remember a time when a man irritated me to a fair degree, and I felt as if the Lord gently reminded me, asking, “Do you think I love you more than I love him?”
My response was, “No, Lord, you love us equally.”
The cast off and driven away people may test our patience, but shouldn’t we reflect a Jesus kind of love to all people in our attitudes and actions?
When Jesus finished talking about the harassed and helpless, he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9.37-39).
As we look at the world’s troubles and place God’s promises beside them, let’s pray for more laborers to come and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 