The Comforter Has Come

It has been another tough week in the family. Nothing I can talk about in detail, but it involves Kristen, of Mama's So-Called Life. It is life changing, and perhaps we'll talk about it as time passes.


I have awakened the last few mornings with a huge knot in my stomach. I have gone to sleep praying and worrying, though I know I'm not supposed to worry, but only pray. Easier said than done!


This morning, the Sabbath, as I got ready to be with our church family and worship together, my heart was heavy. I was listening to KPOF, as I always do. (You can find them at www.am91.com if you don't have a good station nearby). They play wonderful music on Sunday mornings. This morning was no exception. Unconsciously, I found myself singing along to this wonderful old hymn written in 1894 by someone named Elisha A. Hoffman.

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;

I cannot bear these burdens alone.

In my distress He kindly will help me;

He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;

He is a kind, compassionate Friend.

If I but ask Him, He will deliver,

Makes of my troubles quickly an end.

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,

One who can help my burdens to bear.

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;

He all my cares and sorrows will share.

I must tell Jesus!

I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone.

I must tell Jesus!

I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me,

Jesus ALONE.

It was a medley which led into this chorus:

I cast all my cares upon You,

I lay all of my burdens down at your feet.

And any time that I don't know what to do,

I cast all my cares upon you.

©1978, Maranatha! Music
Words and Music by Kelly Willard

By this time I was reaching for a Kleenex, but getting a message to my spirit. We headed for church and to choir. The second song was another old one, even older than the first. The words were written in 1817 by Andrew Reed and as we sang the second verse, I couldn't believe what I was singing. Not that I didn't believe the words, but I was amazed at God's weaving the morning music just for me!

Holy Spirit, Joy divine,

Cheer this saddened heart of mine.

Bid my many woes depart;

Heal my wounded, bleeding heart.

Are you sensing a pattern here?

Then the sermon - One of Pastor's first statements was "There's comfort in sorrow as sure as there is sorrow in life." The whole sermon was about the God of Comfort.

Isaiah 51:12 a "I, even I, am he who comforts you.

John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

II Corinthians 1:3-5 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.

I keep thinking that we've been through enough as a family, that we can "come alongside someone else who is going through hard times . . . " with what we've already come through.

But - evidently He is not through with us yet. He will see us through this. More chapters for the book??