Sunday, June 03, 2007

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??


god of comfort

17 comments:

Linds said...

Hi, Dawn.... those words are really powerful for me too. I am so sorry things are rocky for you at the moment. Sometimes it is like waves crashing over you, and the only thing I can think of to help ios what someone told me recently. Let go. Just let go and you won't fall, but will be cradled in the arms of the One who loves you more than anyone can know. I am trying. Not easy, but you can let go and know He will be there.
Tell us how we can help. We are here to listen.

someone else said...

My heart has been so heavy the past few days for what's going on there. I'm so sorry. You're absolutely right when you say it's "easier said than done." I can't tell you how many times I have chanted to myself the words "God is in control", and then tried to believe that. I don't know how people go through the sorrows of life without a faith.

The songs and words that were special to you today are really beautiful.

We're here for you, as I'm sure you know.

Susie said...

I am so sorry that you have had such a heavy heart. My prayers are with you Dawn.
xo

Barb said...

I'd say you've definitely got enough material for one humdinger of a book, Dawn. And sometimes you just can't help but worry whether you're supposed to or not. You're a mom. How can you not worry?

She's been on my mind all weekend long. I hope everything is OK there.

Sharon Lynne said...

Keep your eyes on Jesus...like Peter had to--in the storm.

I don't know all the details, but my heart goes out to you...and I'll say a prayer tonight for you.

Diane Viere said...

Dawn (and family),

I'm so sorry you are going through this struggle right now.

Your pastor is so wise! Yes, we are not guaranteed that the trials will not come...but we do have the promise of our Savior that He will walk through them with us. And we know, that He takes our pain and makes something glorious out of it! Kevin's life is proof positive of just that!

So, rest in the lyrics of these beautiful songs...and His love and promise for Kristen's life. I know you are....and I also know how easy that sounds--but how truly challenging it can be. So I'm praying for you...for you all.

diane

Unknown said...

I'm thinking of you and Kristen. I'm concerned that what your family is going through is life changing. I hope everything is okay.

groovyoldlady said...

Isn't it precious when God sends us hugs? Keep your focus on HIm. He IS in control.

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

WOW!!! If that wasn't God sending love and comfort to you, I don't know what is! i will be praying!

Carole Burant said...

We as mothers will always worry about our children, no matter what age they are. I've been worried about Kristen since that last post of hers but I know that she has you and her family by her so you'll help her through this latest crisis. My heart and prayers go out to all of you!! xoxo

Linda said...

I'm sending you a long-distance hug. Life has a way of just being totally unfair. It is one thing to know in our heads that God is in control, it is another when He seems to reach down and draw us to Himself in a way that is so personal. I love the way He uses music to minister to our hurting spirits. He most certainly did that for you Dawn.
I'm praying for all of you - have been for a long time. He hears and answers prayer. I know He does.

Cheryl said...

It is just like our wonderfully loving and compassionate FATHER to wrap us up in His powerful words. Yes, I do believe you were being held...Praying with you

Gran said...

I don't know you well however, I would like to offer prayer support for you and your family. My life has been one struggle after another ...my heartfelt prayers and God's love is right there with you at this difficult time.
A HUG from ME to YOU!

Rita Loca said...

I love the old hymns because they have such a powerful message.

Truth said...

Beautiful words of comfort, straight from the comforter.

Candi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan Skitt said...

God is so good...God is so good, He 's so good to me.

I too love that old hymn, I must tell Jesus! Oh what people are missing out when they forget the old hymns. I like it when we can blend the old with the new. There's a fullness, a richness there, a balance.

Just stopping by to visit and hope to investigate here more and learn your story.

Truly Jesus is our comfort, His mercies are new every morning. He is so faithful. God is so good...

When people asked me how I was doing after my first husband died, that's the only thing that popped into my head and out of my mouth.

Maybe they thought I was crazy, I was crazy, with grief, but I knew too that Jesus would see me through. And he has... and he continues to, like you said, even with new trials and tribulations. He proves himself always faithful...