2 Samuel 13:19

New International Version

Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornate robe she was wearing. She put her hands on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went.

For Meditation

Tamar was a kind and innocent young princess, and truly beautiful. Sadly, her half-brother, Amnon, became obsessed with her and behaved terribly toward her. He raped her and then cruelly sent her away (2 Sam. 13:1-19).

Absalom, Tamar’s brother, was angry but stayed calm as he waited for a chance to take revenge. King David was also upset, but he did nothing. One person’s lack of self-control brought pain and division to their family. Infatuation deceives, and if not controlled or given to God, can cause great harm.

Job was right when he said, “The groans of the dying rise from the city, and the souls of the wounded cry out for help” (Job 24:12). Tamar’s pain echoed through Jerusalem, and she carried her hurt for the rest of her life. When passion is left unchecked, it always leads to disaster.

Sadly, stories like Tamar’s still happen quietly all over the world. Millions of people, both young and old, suffer in silence because of unfair societies, human trafficking, weak leaders, and people who only care about money. Women and children who are at risk are forced into sex slavery and harsh factory work. This suffering touches people of all ages and genders. The cruelty in the world leaves many hurting and poor.

Look into the face of a Palestinian refugee, and you can see the pain caused by greed and cruelty. Think about the Epstein Files saga. The suffering of the many young women abused in the horrific stories will break your heart. Still, the busy life of the city drowns the cries of these victims. Many hide during the day and work in the shadows at night, trapped in their struggles. They cry out, but few notice. There may be one right in your orbit, waiting for you to see their pain through their hollowing eyes. Their pain grows in a world that has lost its sense of compassion.

But there is hope. It comes from the cross where Jesus died for us. As Chuck Swindoll says, “Tucked away in a quiet corner of every life are wounds and scars. If they were not there, we would need no Physician. Nor would we need one another.”

Jesus is the healer, and He still cares for people everywhere, just like a family doctor once did. He brings comfort and healing to those who are hurting (Jer. 8:22). Anyone who listens to Him and opens their heart will find healing and have their dignity restored (Rev. 3:20).

Will you accept Him today?

Pray with Me

Lord, have mercy on us. This vile world threatens our children and seeks to pull  them into its mould. Help, O Lord Jesus, and  protect them. Hear the cry of the afflicted souls and  deliver them. Amen.  

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