Comfort the sorrowing

"The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

There is a portion of a prayer written by Pastor J. W. Conley of Fresno, California, that prays:

"Preserve us from selfishness.

Help us to learn patience and self-control.

Keep us from hasty, thoughtless and unkind words,

and from misunderstanding and misjudging others,

and deliver us from anxiety and complaining.

Fill Thy Church with missionary zeal and

with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Strengthen the weak,

comfort the sorrowing, 

restore the wandering.."

This morning I am centered on "comfort the sorrowing."  

Our good friend, Jerry Doebbert, died this week and his funeral will be Saturday.  

Our good friend, Jean, will be burying her father on Friday.  

Our good friend, Tim, will be attending his brother's funeral on Saturday. 

All of Minnesota is mourning Jacob Wetterling who was tragically taken, abused and killed 27 years ago and now that his body has been found, he will be properly laid to rest.  

And then we have family and friends who are sorrowing over the loss of health and abilities, the loss of the familiar due to moving....loss comes to us in so many ways!  

Yet God knows the heart.  

He knows the burdens.  

He sees the breaks, the fissures, the gaping holes of the heart.  

Outwardly the smile can be put on the face and the expectations of life going on goes on. Inwardly, though, there is a cry for healing, for justice, for help.  

God knows. 

God sees. 

God hears.  and.....thankfully, God acts.  

God acts through every card sent, every call made, every hug given.  God acts through every prayer prayed and every tear shed.  God acts through His people and through His people there is the demonstration of love and care that brings comfort.

I applaud Patty Wetterling, Jacob's mom, for being concrete in her response to the question:  How can we help you?  What will bring you comfort?  She spoke from her heart:

"Say a prayer.

Light a candle.

Be with friends.

Play with your children.

Giggle.

Hold hands.

Eat ice cream.

Create joy.

Help your neighbor.

That is what will bring me comfort today."

So today I will pray for God to comfort my friends.  

I will send cards and share memories of joy shared.  

I will call and check in to let them know I care.  

I will be more aware of those in my life that I see and interact with every day.  

I will offer words of encouragement.  

I will smile and offer a friendly touch.  

I will enjoy eating ice cream and I will remember my neighbor.  

Today I ask God to help and guide me in providing comfort.

As He knows the many hearts in need, 

may there be healing and strength granted,

hope and faith renewed and 

grace and mercy imparted in generous portion,

now and forevermore.

Amen.