God's Comfort

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.

Joel Jongkind
Meaford, Ontario, Canada

Thanks to PresbyCan Daily Devotional