All of us have faced troubled times in our lives, and it is amazing how the Lord sends along just the right verse, or the right person when those times come. Almost twelve years ago now, I was having some strange feelings and ended up going into the emergency room of our local hospital around 1:30 in the morning. They checked me all over with chest x-rays, EKG’s, and blood work. All came back normal, except the blood work. That showed a slight elevation in my enzymes. This is a sign of some kind of heart issue.
They told me they wanted to admit me to a room in the hospital, so I could speak with a cardiologist about this issue. It wasn’t long until the doctor came in an explained that the abnormalities in the blood enzymes could show signs of something going on in my heart. He ordered a second batch of blood to be taken to see if it was just a one-time thing, or if it was still elevating. After he left my room, I opened my Bible and began to read. It just so happened that I was reading through the Psalms, and I happened upon Psalm 139. This chapter speaks about us being fearfully and wonderfully made. I was comforted by these simple words, realizing that God was still in control.
About that same time, I heard a knock on my hospital room door. In through the door came on of my crazy friends named, Henry. Now I was shocked when I saw him, because he lived about thirty minutes from me, and did not normally come in my area. Also, I didn’t think anyone knew that I was in the hospital. God sent him along for me to be a comfort to me at just the right time. God used His Word, along with a timely visit from my brother in Christ to help me through that stressful time. I will never forget the comfort each of them brought to me.
Today I read, “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” (Psalm 119:50). If you are facing challenging times today, the best place to run is into the truths of the Word of God! A good friend does not hurt either, but the ultimate comfort for a soul in affliction is the Word of God. I know that those of you who read these devotionals face challenges that I am unaware of, but I am hopeful that God is touching my heart with things to share with you from His Word that are just what you need for what you are facing. Be sure; afflictions will come, but the Word of God is sure and unchanging, and it will always be the soothing medication for your soul that you need. While my words will not do much to help, I am certain that the words of life found in the Bible will do the trick!