Thankful for His Comfort
Psalms 56:1-11
No matter the circumstances, God is on your side, working to give you the best possible life you could have.
Douglas Maurer was a normal fifteen year old boy from Creve Coeur, Missouri, who enjoyed sports, hanging out with friends, and pursuing his hobbies. One day he fell ill with a fever and flu-like symptoms. Over the next few days his symptoms worsened, and his temperature ranged from 103 to 105 degrees. Finally his mother took him to the doctor where he was told he had leukemia. The doctors were blunt with Douglas' family, explaining the intense chemotherapy treatments he would face over the next several days to stop the leukemia's affects. Doctors told him he'd lose his hair and his body would bloat. Feeling discouraged, Douglas entered a state of depression, obviously upset over the news.
Douglas' aunt lived hundreds of miles away, yet wanted to comfort her nephew, so she called a florist near Douglas' home to send him a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She spoke with a young worker and told the worker of Douglas' condition. The next day the flowers arrived at Douglas' hospital room. Douglas read a note from his aunt and then saw an additional card. It read, "Douglas, I took your order. I work at Brix Florist. I had leukemia when I was seven years old. I'm twenty-two now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura Bradley." Douglas' face lit up and for the first time he felt hope despite his circumstances.
Despite the fact Douglas was surrounded by the most advanced medical equipment operated by the most knowledgeable professionals, it was a florist worker earning under $200 a week who made the difference in Douglas' life. All it took was one person to reach out and say, "I know what you're going through and I care" that changed a young boy's life.
Sometimes we overlook the fact that there are literally millions of hurting people in our world today. Friends, neighbors, coworkers, children, parents, grandparents, family, and strangers are all facing large battles. All comforting takes is one compassionate soul to reach out to them.
Who needs comfort today in your circle of influence? Don't overlook others, but see past their outward barriers and to their hurting hearts. All it takes is a note of encouragement, a call to chat, a text of support, an email of care, or a visit of compassion. Make time today to comfort someone who's going through a difficulty.
While God desires for us to comfort others, realize that the ultimate Comforter is God. When no one is there to comfort you, He is near you. He promises that whenever we need help, He will comfort us. No mourning is so intense that He cannot comfort us. No trial is too large that He cannot guide us through. No loss is so great that He cannot help us overcome it. No persecution is so hurtful that God cannot alleviate it. As the Psalmist says, "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me."
God is for you. He is on your side, working to give you His best. While trials and loss may not seem like beneficial circumstances, know that God is working in your life. Rather than questioning God, lean on Him for comfort. Read His Word, spend time in His presence, and allow Him to wrap His arms of comfort around your heart in the midst of even your deepest moments of discouragement.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezekiel 14-15 | James 2
No comments:
Post a Comment