I was listening to this song today while driving. It’s an old James Taylor song – one of those songs with beautiful lyrics that cause you to think of someone special in your life:
When you’re down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
Then, interestingly enough, I was reading my Bible this afternoon and came across this passage in Luke 23:26: “As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.”
Was it because the Lord’s physical body was too weak after the savage beatings and scourging? Maybe. But Scripture doesn’t tell us that for sure. What we can be sure of is this:
God placed someone beside His Son during His greatest moment of human suffering.
That truth should bring us so much comfort!
When you and I walk through seemingly unbearable trials, God may not remove the suffering – but He has a way of sending people to help us press on. Their mere presence becomes a lifeline to us… a prayer partner, a friend who checks in, someone who listens and simply says, “I’m with you.” And often, that’s exactly what we need to keep going.
None of us are meant to carry life’s crosses alone.
God never promised an easy road, but He has promised His presence – and many times, that presence comes through someone He sends at just the right moment. Think back on your hardest seasons. Wasn’t there someone God used to strengthen you? Maybe they didn’t solve the problem, but they helped you stand and get through it.
Perhaps today God wants you to be a Simon for someone else – to shoulder part of their burden, or to simply walk beside them as they carry it. A phone call, a prayer, a word of encouragement.. it may not seem like much, but…
…God uses those small acts to lift heavy crosses.
Remember this: The weight you’re carrying isn’t a sign that God has abandoned you. It may be the very place He plans to show you His faithfulness – either by strengthening your shoulders, or by sending someone to walk with you.
Who has God used in your life to help you endure a heavy burden? Is there someone right now who needs you to walk beside them?
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you’ve got to do is call
And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah
You’ve got a friend.
Carole King/James Taylor – “You’ve Got a Friend” (1971)
Former Blackout Artist 