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Listen while you read: "Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven"1 (Lyrics) |
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:
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (NKJV)
But then the psalm goes on to tell us,
Psalm 46:2-3 – 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. (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:
Psalm 46:10a,11 – Be still, and know that I am God. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (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.
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Excellent devotion, Joel.
Thank you for your words.
Thanks for a touching word Joel.
Thank you, Joel for this comforting reminder.
Amen, has happened over and over in my 64 years of life.
Thanks for sharing your story and reminding us of how much comfort there is in God’s Word. Thankfully we don’t have to live this life on our own. God bless you today and always.
Thank you Joel. Those are good passages of scriptures which I will read again. I’ve been reading through much of the Psalms lately to remind myself of God’s faithfulness in difficult times. Thanks for sharing and continued blessings on your ministries for the kingdom!
Thank you so much for your devotional today. God always provides a message at just the right time. Your words have been an encouragement to us as we have been going through some difficult struggles lately. God bless.
What a beautiful devotional. And Psalm 46:1 and Psalm 46:10a,11 are two of my favorites that I turn to many times.
How uplifting to have both of them appear this morning in the Daily Devotional.
I needed that! Keep writing.
Blessings to you.
Thank you Joel for a fine devotional.
Thank you also for confirming my belief that only people familiar with the Holy Writ know full well the passages that offer the most help in times of need. The texts you presented should be as familiar as household words to all Christians. There is no solace as comforting as a scripture verse. And what is even more amazing is the speed wherein they come so spontaneously to mind to those who love the Word Of God.
Blessings.
Psalm 46 lifts me up and when I read your powerful testimony, I just found myself in a praising mood which brought His presence here where I am in Africa! I might not understand the pain you and your wife went through but I can imagine the peace which his presence brought to your dear family, for I can identify and reflect to the many times I went through the shadow of death and Psalm 46 revived me and my family.
Dear Joel,
Thank you for sharing your heart-felt personal message of sorrow and the gift of God’s comfort.
God shows us that he is with us through it all. He miraculously caused your Bible to open at the place where he wanted you to get strength and knowledge that he was with you. And he has been with you through all the years since.
He showed me, over a year ago, that he was with me when I needed him! This helps to sustain me as I continue to heal more than a year later.
With gratitude for your prayers.
Keep writing.
A lovely devotional Joel! Thanks for sharing.
Joel, Your heartbreak of so many years ago, echoes my own. How my arms ached! But comfort, whispered into my heart from God’s Holy Spirit, carried us through and ultimately brought healing. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.