I cannot think of anything more comforting in this life than the knowledge that God listens and cares about every individual part of His creation. Even during the darkest and most painful times,  if we are seeking Him, He does not leave or forsake us. And yet, as we suffer and wait and life seems to drag on with no significant change to the circumstances burdening our hearts and our shoulders, we may be tempted to doubt God’s faithfulness. There is a song that comes to mind when I think of fighting this particular temptation to doubt, and its words express the perspective we should strive to maintain.

“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song, as the burdens press, and the cares distress and the way grows weary and long? Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near? Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed to resist some temptation strong; when for my deep grief there is no relief, though my tears flow all the night long? Does Jesus care when I’ve said ‘goodbye’ to the dearest on earth to me, and my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks, is it aught to Him? Does He see?”

Now, if this is where the song ended, it would be a terribly depressing song indeed. If this section alone were the extent of our confidence in God’s care for us, we of all men would be the most pitiable. We may genuinely ask, “Does God care?” We may be beside ourselves with the stresses and pains of this life. We may buckle under the pressure of the temptations within and without. We may feel the inescapable pain of separation in this life that tears our hearts asunder. But remember, “God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.” Remember, “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgement.” (1 Peter 2:9) Remember that God has promised “to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7)

“Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; when the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.”

“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that  for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:22-28)

Elsewhere in Exodus, we are reminded that Israel lived in Egypt for 430 years. It seems very reasonable to conclude that during that entire time none of Israel knew God’s specific plan to bring them out of Egypt, until He put it into effect. We have the privilege of learning from God’s redemption of Israel, that we will suffer and suffer what seems to be an incredibly long time, but also that God’s plan is perfect and His promise is sure. He sees and He knows and He will come again to rescue us and bring us into the place He has prepared, where we will dwell with Him forevermore.