The Works of God

As I write this on Thursday it feels like I’m surrounded by hurt in so many people I know: a young man having surgery related to his disability; a young wife hospitalized for an unknown, painful ailment; children going through rough spells physically and emotionally; families hurting and barely hanging on.

There is no room in these circumstances for a trite, cheerful response.

God’s word speaks into suffering.  It never fails to recognize the pain of this world, and the source of the answer:

Psalm 119:28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!

There’s a little footnote attached to verse 32 which indicates that last part could also be read for you set my heart free. I love that thought!  I am especially comforted that it is God who does the work of enlarging hearts and setting hearts free.

I’m praying for an enlarged, free heart for you and for me today.