comfort

Running to Her Father’s Arms

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The children’s choir was singing in church that morning, as they do once a month. The kids all look their best on that day. Girls are in their Sunday dresses and boys are wearing their shirts tucked in their pants. They look sharp. And they sound great as they sing with the worship team. They practice every Sunday after church, and they learn a new song for the next month.

But it was after the children’s choir was finished that the next scene took place. The kids came down off the stage and went to sit with their parents. Then I saw the girl who had stood on the back row of the risers run into her father’s arms. She was wearing a white hat with a blue floral ribbon that matched her pretty dress. She looked very stylish. But something had happened sometime during the morning. I’m not sure if it was while the kids were seated waiting to sing. Or was it while they were singing? Or when they moved off the risers? I’m not sure. I just know that in that moment this young girl was very upset.

As she lunged at her father’s lap, he wrapped his muscular arms around her. She clung to him with all her might and leaned against his strong chest. He held her close as she cried her pain into his ear. He gently rubbed her back as he listened attentively and whispered fatherly advice. He loved his daughter and he was willing to listen to her cries and pleas while seated in a a church full of fellow believers. He wanted the best for his girl, and it was obvious that he would change the events that caused her tears if he could. But he couldn’t. So he held her close and showed her the love and attention of a caring father. And he wasn’t ashamed to show tenderness in front of those sitting nearby.

In that moment, there is no doubt that this ten year old girl felt loved. She knew she could count on her father’s arms of love wrapped around her soothing her cries. She didn’t doubt at all that he would welcome her with open arms. He was sitting in the pew waiting for her to come sit beside him when he noticed her wounded heart. And he tended to her wounds in the way any loving father would do.

The following Sunday, I saw her sitting with her family. But this Sunday was different. When she saw her friend run to sit with a new girl in church, this same girl who was being held by her father the week before jumped up and ran to sit with this new friend, as well. All was right in her world again.

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

I wonder. How many times when we’re hurting and our ego is bruised or our world has been turned upside down do we just sit alone nursing our hurts? Do we even stop to run into our heavenly Father’s arms with our needs and concerns? Don’t we who have been following Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior know that he’s waiting for us? He wants to hear us tell him the fears we’re facing. He wants to hear us say that we’re uncertain about something in our lives. That we don’t know which way to turn. Or how to handle a situation. We need someone who is always available to be there for us. And do we ever stop to remember that our heavenly Father is there waiting for us to come to him?

Maybe it’s time to stop and ask ourselves who is the first person we run to when we’re in trouble? If it isn’t God, why not?

One of the great themes of the Bible is that God is our protector. He never stumbles and falls. He never trips over his words or thoughts. He is strong yet gentle. He is jealous yet loving. He is just yet forgiving. He is exact yet comforting. He is perfect yet understanding. He’s the Creator of the universe yet he’s the lover of your soul.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

Oh. I know. It’s easy to try to handle all our problems in our own way and timing. It’s easy to think that our spouse or our circle of friends are the only ones we can really trust with our big issues. But unlike that little girl’s father who didn’t know her problem until she told him, our heavenly Father already knows our problems. He’s waiting for us to run to him and fling ourselves into his waiting open arms so we can spill our guts to him. He’s always available to listen and surround us with his love.

We have to know that even though we believe in the protecting hand of God, we will still face trials of every kind. We are not exempt from evil or destruction or disease. We may face unending persecution or financial ruin or deep heartache. We may be rejected by those who once professed love. Yet we can still abide in the sweet presence of our God. He will not leave us or forsake us.

When a parent protects their child who has run into their safe embrace, the child may not feel the tremors of unease in their parent. That small child may not hear the heart’s groaning of their parent as they plead with God to save their child from the serious diagnosis or the trial they’re facing. The child will rest easy in the safety of their parent’s love, knowing that they will do all they can to ease the worries of their child. So, too, as we’re being held tight in the arms of our loving Savior, he is holding us steady against the ever increasing waves of evil penetrating our culture and world. He is sheltering us from an eternal destiny of destruction as we rest in his saving and forgiving grace. Regardless of the trials and troubles we’re facing, we can rest assured our salvation is in him.

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

~Keith and Kristyn Getty

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord ! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Under His Wings

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The family sits in front of us at church most Sundays. Mom. Dad. Four kids. One girl and three boys. They’re all stairstep in age. The girl first followed by the boys. The girl is probably a couple of years older than the oldest boy, but it’s obvious he’s going to be taller than her. He’s pretty much her height already. It will be interesting to watch them grow up. They’re a nice looking family.

They usually arrive just a little late, so they have to scramble to find a seat that will fit all six of them. The kids are well behaved. The youngest seems to be the most unruly of all. His curly hair is also longer and more unkempt than the other two boys. They have short cuts, and his is a mullet. I wonder why he’s allowed to have such an extreme haircut for such a young kid when his brothers aren’t.

Each Sunday, it’s the same story. Once they walk into the sanctuary, the kids are scrambling to see who gets to sit by Mom. They all want to sit by her. The girl usually never gets that coveted position, because the boys are younger and make a bigger fuss out of the ordeal. The oldest boy who’s probably ten loves to sit by his mom. The youngest boy somehow never gets the spot without pushing his way into it. He’s good at displacing a sibling who claimed the spot first. I’ve seen this happen on multiple occasions. Who knows. Perhaps they have to call dibs on the drive to church, or they have an assigned seat each Sunday. It doesn’t matter. The youngest one always, always finds a way to sit nearest his mom whether it’s his turn or not.

It’s obvious this is a close, loving family. The mother looks at her kids very lovingly, but she’s quick to discipline when the boys get out of hand. She’s constantly making them stand when the congregation is standing. The youngest likes to slough off and sit. But no. He must stand like everyone else.

I’m sure this mother would do anything to protect her children. She wants the best for them. Oh. I’m sure there will come a day when the kids are older that they won’t try so hard to sit close to her. They’ll want their space. They’ll want to sit with their friends. They won’t want to be seen anywhere near their mom. It’s too embarrassing. But deep down, they’ll know that they can run to her at the first hint of trouble. She is theirs and they are hers.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! ” Matthew 23:37-39

Oh. The mother of these four kids knows that her brood will face all types of temptations and trials as they grow and mature. And when they reach adulthood and have their own families and careers, they’ll be bombarded on all sides by things they cannot yet imagine. She knows that now is her opportunity to mold and shape them. To train them to turn to God with all their troubles. She knows some of what lies ahead for them, but she doesn’t know the future. I’ve seen the way she looks at her kids when they aren’t looking. It’s a look of love and tenderness. She wants God’s best for her children.

When Jesus is lamenting in Matthew 23 about wanting to gather the Jewish people under his wings, he knows they won’t allow it. They’ve run from him and ignored his teachings for far too long. And what they don’t know that he knows is that in a generation’s time, their city will be destroyed. The Romans will come in once again to rule. All because of their disobedience to God. It doesn’t have to be that way, but they ignore his warnings. Jesus was trying to save them from a calamity that was totally avoidable, but they refused to listen.

His feelings for his favored people are so strong, yet he doesn’t demand they listen or repent. He allows them to choose their own path. Just as Jesus allows the Jewish people to choose, so does the mother of these four kids. She can teach them and train them and pray for them. She can warn them and steer them toward a life of fulfillment in Christ, but ultimately the decision is theirs to make. They can choose to follow Jesus or not.

I wonder if these kids ever refuse to listen to their mom. If they haven’t done so yet, I bet there will come a point that they do. We all tend to be a bit stubborn and rebellious when we want our way and the authority in our life disagrees. We tend to develop selective hearing and choose to walk our own path. If not careful, we’ll find ourselves in a heap of trouble. I hope this doesn’t happen to these kids, but now while they’re impressionable and moldable, I hope and pray they choose to live a life for Christ.

The same goes for us today. Jesus also wants to protect us if we will let him. When we’re hurting and don’t know where to turn, he’s waiting with arms wide open. He will gather us and protect us under his wings. We’re the ones who’ve turned away. He never rejects us. He knows our needs and concerns and is ready and willing to help and comfort us. Don’t turn away from God. Reach out to him in times of need. He’s the answer to life’s problems.

Under His wings I am safely abiding;
  Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me;
  He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Under His wings, under His wings,
  Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
    Safely abide forever.

Under His wings—what a refuge in sorrow!
  How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
  There I find comfort, and there I am blest.

Under His wings—oh, what precious enjoyment!
  There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;
  Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.

~William Cushing & Ira Sankey

When Life Stinks

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I’m not sure which is worse to live through. A cold house in the middle of a very cold winter when the furnace isn’t working. Or. A hot house in the middle of a very hot summer when the air conditioning quits working. I hate to say it, but I’m living in a very hot house right now. And this past winter, it was a cold house. As I type this, I’m waiting on a repairman who can hopefully help resolve the problem.

And the verdict is in. We need a new air conditioner. Oh. The old one still works, but the coolant is no longer legal to use. That requires us to purchase something we really don’t need but we do need. Apparently, there’s no way around it. Isn’t it funny how life works. And we’re also waiting to hear if our home warranty company will cover the cost. Or at least part of it.

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes the unpredictability just stinks. And usually we just have to adjust when the unpredictable sinks to an all-time low. Oh. It could be anything that surprises us. Catches us off guard. An unexpected home repair. Or an unexpected illness or diagnosis. It could be a job loss. Or an unplanned pregnancy. Or the loss of a loved one. Or a local tragedy. Perhaps it’s a huge unexpected change of plans. We never know when life will trip us up.

There are ups and downs in the flow of life. Some good. Some bad. And some ugly. At times, the trouble sticks around indefinitely, and other times it’s short-lived. We never know what life will bring, and we don’t know how our troubles will be resolved. But we can still find good in life even during the most difficult of times.

Oh. I know there are deeper troubles we can find ourselves in besides living without air conditioning. I’m thankful that, at the moment, this is the only trouble we’re in. Because it’s momentary, we will see the end of it in a relatively short time.

I’m thankful at the moment for a portable air conditioner that’s keeping the house modestly cool. Plus. We have fans going during the day and night. And we’re sitting outside under the big oak tree keeping cool for awhile each day. Oh. We’ll have a new cooling unit installed, but we have to wait in line with all the others who are experiencing similar troubles.

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:6-7,10

When life throws us into a spin of tough times, we must lean on God. He is the God of all comfort, and he will sustain us. When the uncertainties and emotions ebb and flow, we have a constant source of strength. God is an ever-present help in times of trouble.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Psalms 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1

When we are walking through a very dark valley, can we still find good in life? Can we push away the fearful thoughts that can overwhelm and discourage us? I know from experience that during the toughest times of life, I lean in closer to God than I do when life is going my way. I seek his presence more, because in the low times I realize I can’t handle life on my own. I don’t know why I think I’m handling life well on my own when things are going smoothly. It’s second nature. But we need God in every day of our lives, not just during the tough times.

And during the easier days we also need to spend time with God. Filling our cup of life with his goodness and love and kindness. It’s only when our cup is full that we can dip into the excess during those unexpected difficulties. Life is good at all times when God is the center of our lives. Our circumstances may be difficult, but God is always, always good.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:4

God’s gracious presence is with us during even the worst times of our lives. He doesn’t leave us. We must reach out to him for strength and support. He loves us with an everlasting love during every period of our lives. He doesn’t love us only when life is easy. He loves us as much during the difficulties we face. His love never changes or ceases.

I know someone who was traveling internationally this week. She arrived, but her luggage didn’t. And the power was out, meaning the water also didn’t work. What a way to start a missions trip. Was she excited and on fire for the assignment, or was she fuming at the inconvenience of it all? Fortunately, her luggage showed up three days later, after she had made an emergency shopping trip.

Life is full of events we don’t ask for. It’s in those moments that we have to realize that God is still God, and we are not. He walks beside us during every trial life throws at us. Regardless of how big or small it may seem to others, God is in the midst of our troubles allowing us to fall back on his grace and mercy. He’s waiting for us to call out to him in our moments of need, as well as in our moments of plenty.

Be still, and know that I am God! Psalms 46:10

All creatures, when in distress, run to their refuges. ~Trapp

Reach Out

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

She had been struggling with her job ever since the day she started. Two and a half years ago. She doubted herself. She felt inferior to her coworkers. She thought they talked about her behind her back. She never felt comfortable doing the job. She never spoke up. She tried to play by the rules. She wanted everything spelled out to her in black and white. She was afraid of the gray areas. She didn’t trust herself. She was afraid she would get fired. And last week, her worst fear came true. She was fired.

She’s embarrassed. She’s confused. She wants answers but doesn’t want to ask the questions. She wants to move on. But mostly, she’s relieved. She knows the position wasn’t right for her. But as she said, the demon you know is better than the demon you don’t know. So she never tried to find another job. Because sometimes, the fear of starting over is worse than the fear of continuing on a familiar, yet uncomfortable path.

She was told she was being let go because of performance issues. But no one in management had ever told her that her performance was lacking. No one had ever pulled her aside and shared their concerns. No one had ever rated her performance as below par. But, apparently, people had been talking behind her back. And not to her face.

Now she’s out of work.

I sat down with her this week. For four hours we talked. I shared my story with her. I let her know that I too had once experienced the same type of job loss. I too was told after years on the job that I was no longer good enough. I no longer had the right skillset. And in an instant, my job was gone. Unexplained. Unexpected. Unemployed.

I knew she needed to talk it out. To rehash the past two and a half years. What she did right. What she did wrong. What she might have misunderstood. We laughed about the fact that she never had to do that job again. And she sighed with relief. She is ready to move on.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I had another conversation this week. The grandma house sitting for her son’s family, who are on an extended island vacation. She’s the friendly sort. Even though she lives hours away, she knows more that’s going on in my neighborhood than I do. We always try to chat when she’s in town.

She said she doesn’t think her 70’s are going to go very well. She has diabetes. She now suffers from vertigo. She has glaucoma. And she’s undergoing tests for Alzheimer’s. If the Alzheimer’s test comes back positive, she will start to make alternate plans for her remaining years. She said she will give some of her money to her children. She will have to make arrangements for her house and other possessions. She’s afraid she won’t live to see 80. She’s in for an uncertain future.

And she still takes care of her elderly parents.

She seemed calm about the prospect of might lie ahead. But who knows the thoughts that go through her mind as she lays her head on the pillow each night. What fears race through her mind? What worries keep her awake? What disappointments cause tears to flow? What dreams will she never realize?

She says she’s lived a full live. She had a good marriage and children she’s proud of. She sees hope and promise for the future of her grandchildren. She believes they will have opportunities that she never had. She’s happy that her son found a good wife. She notices the physical strain placed on her daughter, due to the adoption of a special needs child. She worries about the health of her children and the choices they make. Yet she says she keeps these concerns to herself, because she doesn’t want to rob her children of happiness.

I told her that I would pray for her. She seemed to gain comfort from those words.

We never know what life will throw at us. And these two women don’t have the comfort of calling Jesus their Lord and Savior. They haven’t repented of their sins and committed their lives to following Jesus Christ. They don’t have the calm assurance that God is with them in every good and bad day of their lives.

Perhaps I’m called to be the light in their moments of darkness. Perhaps I’ll have the opportunity to share my faith and my trust in a loving God who knows their every thought and fear. He sees the paths of uncertainty they face. He holds their future in his hands. And he can hold them, too.

We see hurting people everywhere. We don’t always know the hurts they’re carrying. Because most people choose to remain silent. They suffer alone. But when someone opens up in a moment of raw need, those of us who have the hope of a certain eternal future must share the hope that we have. We can’t keep silent. We know the hope for our future. We must not be shy about sharing our faith. We can offer to pray for someone who is hurting or without hope, because God is attentive to our prayers. Our hope lies in Jesus Christ. Let’s help turn a hurting world to the source of all healing.

Running on Fumes

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I can only imagine how Mary felt as she rode that donkey to Bethlehem. Hugely pregnant with a child she never planned to carry. Traveling with a husband she had never slept with. Now she was basically alone giving birth in a strange place without her mother and other women who knew about birthing babies. No baby shower to honor her and provide for the baby’s needs. No one to gently advise her on mothering and wifely duties. She was a woman without, yet she had all she needed. God was with her.

This year has been that type of year for many of us. We’ve lived alone in our own homes. Not allowed to freely live our lives. We wear masks in public. We’re advised to follow the guidelines, yet we see so many of our leaders freely breaking those guidelines when it suits their whims. We’re told we need to lockdown, yet the lockdown is pulling some people and businesses under without hope for survival.

In some states, churches aren’t allowed to meet in person. But you bet that riots welcome any and all unmasked activists with open arms. Indoor dining is banned in some states, unless you’re in a special class of people. Vaccines are being administered, but no one is satisfied with the priority of recipients. Life is turning out to be hard for so many of us who are accustomed to comfort and mild luxury. We have taken freedom and spontaneity for granted.

I’ve said it before, and apparently, I’m saying it again. This has been a tough year. For many reasons. For many people. In many ways.

For most of the pandemic, I’ve been handling things pretty well. Except for the fact that I’m working from home, my life really hasn’t changed. There have been times during the past nine months when I’ve realized I’m happiest when I’m at home. So working from home has been a great relief for me. My commute is non-existent. I haven’t seen the workplace drama queen since early March. I can use flex time each week. Life sometimes feels pretty good.

But then reality hits. Work demands take all the joy out of working from home. Unorganized and lazy coworkers make the job a lot harder than it should be. Management makes changes without vetting them and expects everyone to fall in line. Workers are expected to do more with less. And the list goes on.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4

People are on edge this year. For different reasons. Those who lost their jobs are fearful of what lies ahead. Those who are essential workers are running on fumes. And still more is expected.

 I am one of those essential workers. And for that I am grateful. I really am. No. I don’t work in healthcare, but I work with healthcare companies. And my work is never ending. Especially at this time of year. 

I so don’t want to complain. But today, enough is enough. 

I find I am easily annoyed at things I can normally brush off. I find anger bubbling when there’s no need. I find I need to slow my thoughts to find the true reason for my outbursts. I find I’m probably not the easiest to live with in these uncertain times.

I want to be kinder. I want to be patient. I want to hold close those I’m close to. And I find it’s a choice. I must search deep within to learn the reason I am so on edge. The findings aren’t comfortable, but growth never is. And I realize that comfort isn’t a necessity of life. But oh. How I wish it was. And I’m learning that comfort may be a thing of the past. Can I live with that?

I know that my true comfort is in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is with me in all my trials and troubles. He is with me when life doesn’t seem kind or fair. He is the great I Am. He is my protector and provider. He is with me always. Even to the ends of the earth.

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalms 121:8

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Close to You

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

It was a beautiful fall morning, and I was working in my flower bed. It was time to prepare for the unknown weather conditions of the upcoming winter. It was time to prepare the outdoors for cold weather.

When I went indoors to gather my garden tools, my dog was sitting by the front door. She was waiting for me. Hoping I would come indoors and spend time with her. On a Saturday afternoon, she prefers to sit by my side. She enjoys being in my presence.

So I got her leash and tied her up outside near the flower bed. She wanted so badly to be near me that she sat right in the middle of the flower bed. She sat as close as she could possibly get to me. She just wanted to be with me. She loves me. She trusts me. She enjoys being with me.

After awhile, she ventured further away. She sat several feet away in the grass enjoying the beautiful day. She sat where she could always see me. She wanted to keep me in her line of sight. She wanted me to know that she was waiting for me to come close. She hoped I would take a break from my work to sit down and rub her belly. She wanted me to make time for her. She wanted to know that I felt the same love for her that she felt for me.

This dog guards me like it’s nobody’s business. She stands glued to my side. She even protects me from the man whose name I share. She will stand in front of me to make sure I’m ok when he and I are in the same room. If he tries to hug me, she jumps on him. She protects me from her perceived evils. She is my guard and protector.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalms 145:18

Oh. How my Heavenly Father does the same for me. He loves me. He wants me to spend time with him. He’s always there. Waiting. Hoping I’ll set aside the things I call important to be with him.

There are times he sits so close that I can’t move without bumping into him. And I love that. I want to always be in his presence. Don’t I? There are other times that he is watching from the sidelines. He’s hoping that I’ll put down my garden tools of life and choose to open his word. The book of life he’s given me to read. He wants to be with me. He wants me to love him the way that he loves me. He wants to spend time with me. He wants me to want to spend time with him. But he doesn’t force me. He allows me to choose my priorities and allegiances.

God is my protector. He is my shield and defender in time of battle. He goes before me and behind me. He surrounds me with his presence. In known dangers and even in unknown, he is with me. He hides me in the cleft of the rock and covers me with his blood of redemption.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:1-6

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