Thus says the Lord: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying, not shouting, and not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. 

Isaiah 42:1-4

The servant will move with force but in a way that is gentle. He moves and acts with a sensitivity to the bruised and beaten. Isaiah says the servant will act in such a way that he won’t even break “a bruised reed.” A reed is a plant that grows in water or marshland. When used to describe a person, it means someone weak or impressionable. A bruised reed is even weaker. 

The servant will accomplish God’s will without breaking those who are bruised nor putting out the light of smoldering wicks, whose light is just barely going. He will be tender to people dealing with the harsh realities of life while bringing justice to the earth. 

Jesus understands our pain and will handle it with care. When we suffer or have wounds, we can bring them to him. We do not have to run from him. Pray today for the grace to lean into Jesus when you have pain or suffering.