Psalm 25:16 - Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted. (NIV)
When Mr. Tumnus, one of our miniature goats, died, his mother, Lucy, was
inconsolable. Within weeks, all excess flesh dropped from her bones. Her coat
became dull and dry. Her heart-wrenching cries found no comfort. Her son was
gone. She was without family. We worried that she would not last long once the
cruel winds of winter blew. Thus we made a decision.
The day the twin kids, Annie and Rosie, arrived, Lucy was moping about her yard
when the little red car pulled up. As the door opened, one of the twins within
softly bleated. Lucy's ears pricked up, and she made a mad dash for the vehicle,
where she came face-to-face with the new babies.
This was the moment. Would she accept them as her new family or turn away from
the gift being offered?
Loneliness, like a black hole, can well up and imprison us, too, when we lose
those with whom we are close. It mocks us, wanting us to believe that no one,
not even God, cares. It seeks to convince us that things will never be okay
again. Yet God makes it clear that He is aware of our situation and is working
on our behalf:
Psalm 68:6 - God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with
singing. (NIV)
Today, Lucy, Annie, and Rosie are a close-knit threesome. Things aren't the same
as they once were, but they are still good -- very good, in fact. Lucy's
loneliness has been filled up with love.
Today, if you are lonely, do not fear; do not lose heart. God is at work. In His
perfect time and way, He will set you, too, in a family, if you will let Him --
in a family of love that shall fill you to overflowing.
Prayer: Father God, how good it is to know that we are always in Your thoughts
and that You are always working on our behalf. Thank You for families. Thank You
that You set the lonely in families. Encourage and lift up those this day who
patiently wait and watch in hope for the family You are preparing for them. In
Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada
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