(“It is well with my soul” accompanied with sheet music)
This picture reminds me of the work of that famous painter – Thomas Kinkade. Although it is not one of his works, yet it is in his “style” and I really like it! This sort of painting evokes a sense of well-being and calmness that I find most comforting in a world that is far from peaceful. Face it, we need all the calm we can get!
Yesterday, as I left the church building I reflected on how marvelous the morning had been; we had a simply wonderful worship service and brother Jackson’s sermon on treasuring up our treasures in heaven (my title, I don’t know what he named it) was inspiring. As I reflected on the picture and our service, I chose a song that somehow seemed to convey the message of the whole day – draw close to God. For the closer we pattern our life to that of Christ, the closer our heart will be to his and all will be “well with our soul”.
Yet, along with all this, there was difficulty, for in the afternoon I received a call from a dear sister in-Christ whose son was fighting for his life in the hospital. Our congregation has been fervently praying for him and will continue to do so. With this in mind, I thought of one of the most famous portions of Scripture and I hope our dear sister Jean finds in comforting…
Psalm 23 ( KJV )
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Everyone has trials in this life, but Christians have Jesus Christ interceding for them with God the Father in heaven. This relationship means that God will pay special attention to our prayers and therefore we will continue to pray for Jean and especially her son. May God grant our request and heal her son. Through all her troubles, may Jean draw closer to God and take comfort when faced with the trials of her life!