I have noticed that many of the writers of the devotionals that we
read every day get comfort from the words of Scripture, and I know that
many of the rest of us do, too, from passages like "Come unto me, all ye
that labour and are heavy laden," (or as a newer translation says, "all
you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads" [CEB]) "and I will
give you rest." (Matthew 11:28 KJV)
In January of 1957, we were
expecting our first child. We were young and excited. We had painted the
baby's room; it was furnished, and all the little baby things were
there. We awaited the day in great anticipation - it was our first
child.
On the 29th, my wife went into labour. I went with her to
the hospital, but was told that I might as well go to work, as it would
take a while, perhaps; so I did. A few hours later, I received a call at
work that my wife was okay, but the baby was not. The little girl had
died at birth.
I rushed to the hospital, and we tried to console
each other. Oh! How things can change in a matter of hours.
I
spent all that day running around doing the things that needed to be
done, so suddenly, so unexpectedly. I talked to the doctor; I contacted
the funeral home; I called some people; and I spent the rest of the time
in the hospital. We tried to console each other; we were at a loss for
words. That night, after I had a small bite to eat, I picked up the
Bible, but I did not know what to read, I was so distraught. So I let
the Bible fall open where it would, and through tear-stained eyes I saw
these words:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1 NKJV)
But then the Psalm goes on to
tell us,
"Therefore we will not fear, though the
earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of
the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains
shake with its swelling." (Psalm 46:2-3 NKJV)
And when we go through something
like this, it is indeed as if our whole world is collapsing around us.
But then, we get these words of comfort at the end of the Psalm:
"Be still, and know that I am God. The Lord of hosts is
with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." (Psalm 46:10a,11 NKJV)
I have used this
Psalm many times when I talk to people in need. It has become one of our
favourite Scripture passages. We have reminded each other, and our
children as well, that when we have trouble, we can pick up God's Word
and get strength to cope. I know that many people do from different
passages. That is God's comfort sustaining us.
Prayer: Our Father
in heaven, there are so many times when we can't cope on our own, and
when this happens, we pray that You will open our hearts and speak to us
through Your Word. Amen.
Joel Jongkind
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
Thanks to PresbyCan Daily
Devotional
