So, Today is a day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! This verse, which is found in Psalms 118:24, is one that most of us have not only heard before; but one we MAY have committed to memory. Unfortunately, it is one that does not always describe the way we feel or in the way we face the day that lies ahead.
A member of my Sunday School class shared a prayer request with those gathered this past Sunday, asking each of us to pray for her son and daughter-in-law. Not many weeks ago, they had received the good news that their first born was "on the way"....so, that did as almost every "pregnant" couple does....make plans for that new baby that is coming soon! But joy turned to immeasurable heartache when the mother-to-be suffered a miscarriage. Now, their hopes and dreams for this child-to-be are dashed to pieces and they are left with feelings of despair and immense disappointment. How does a young couple, or any of us, come back from such a monumental loss?
If we believe in God's Word, we can find comfort and solace in the promises that our Heavenly Father has given to each of us in times like these. First and foremost, I remember the written word of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:28 which reads, "We know that God works to help those people who love him. He uses everything that happens to them to bring something good. He does this for those people that he has chosen to serve him." Easy English version And in the Old Testament, we find God's word to His people (that's you and me if we believe in Him and place our trust in what God is doing in our lives) in Jeremiah 29:11, " For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." NRSV
We need not give into sorrow, or loss, or despair, or any other form of despondency. For our Lord and Mighty God does not let the arrows of the devil alter His plans to give us a life of abundance and hope as we cling to Him and seek to serve Him as His children. No, our God is awesome and powerful and from everlasting to everlasting, He reigns and rules in this world and the one to come. So, to anyone who finds themselves dismayed or disheartened because tragedy has befallen them in this life, go back to your Heavenly Father and humbly bow at His feet and thank Him that He is with you and will not leave or forsake you in your hour of need. Rather, He is already at work to fulfill His promises for your life in His service and your plans that align with His will be worked out for your GOOD and His GLORY!
However, if you ever find yourself (or have someone you know and love) in the situation of the young couple I, and my Sunday School class, are praying for....the poem that follows is written for you...may it bring you hope, dispel your sorrows, and bring you to your knees in praise and adoration for the God who love you; the God you eagerly serve and the God who ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES....SO BE NOT DISMAYED FOR YOUR NEXT PROMISE, HE IS READY TO FULFILL!!!
PRAYING
FOR PEACE....HOLDING ON TO HIS PROMISES,
WPQ
Footprints Across Our Heart
The door is closed. The
lights turned off.
The closet stands bare.
All the room once waiting...
For the child that should be there.
Sorrow wells up inside of us,
Our tears...an endless flow.
All because we miss the child...
The child we'll never know.
No camping trips, no soccer games,
No late night bedroom talks.
No baseball camps nor shopping trips
Nor shaded mountain walks.
We have not even memories
To help through times like these.
We only have each other
As we get down on our knees...
To plead with you, our Father,
To take this pain away...
To help us know that your great love
Will guide us through each day.
We may never know the reasons
For this terrible tragedy;
But we can know you love us
Through all life's mysteries.
Our time together was far too brief;
It was over before its start...
But our little angel left behind
Footprints Across Our Heart.
W. PATRICK QUEEN
COPYRIGHT 1999
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