Monday – October 26, 2020

Scripture

Psalms 34:18

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (NRSV)

A Word of Hope

Sometimes it is easy to see that our blessings outweigh our challenges. Other times, Troubles seem to multiply too rapidly to cope well with any one of them. Just this week, I learned that a friend has lost her husband to Covid. Two others were diagnosed with cancer.

Others were dealing with depression. How to respond to all this pain? I can offer support and some comfort, but I cannot take away the loss, nor heal their cancers nor give hope to the despairing. Thankfully, we have God who can be there for them in all the ways I can’t.

The Psalmist wrote, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” 1Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on God, because God cares for you.”

Whatever is being thrown at us, however beyond help we may think we are, our God is there for us, to do for us whatever we cannot do for ourselves; to give us peace and comfort beyond what we think is possible. This is hope.

Prayer

God, who is good even when we are not; God who is powerful even when we are helpless, hear our prayer. Give help to those in need, healing to those who are sick and suffering. Give comfort to those who are grieving, and please God, help us to know how we may serve others in your name. Know that we are grateful for the many blessings. Amen

Devotion Author

Carole Anne Sarah