Comfort - Rest in God's Careنموونە

Comfort - Rest in God’s Care

My dad’s enormous hand cupped the face of the distressed newborn calf. Born moments prior, the young creature was in dire need.

My brother became the midwife, so to speak, as the calf was not in the correct position. Laboring together as a team, my dad and brother worked tirelessly for the well-being of the animal. While the barn was still and silent on this cool night in January, we anxiously awaited her arrival. With my dad and my brother’s delicate and intricate assistance, Miss Frannie entered the world ushering in relief and joy. Since she faced overdue stress in the birthing process, each breath she took was labored but slowly grew in strength.

Moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day her life was sustained by the comfort and care of all who attended her. Frannie. Her name had the feeling of her life itself, dainty and lovely. Daily communication allowed other family members to be intimately acquainted with all the happenings of Miss Frannie. My dad and my brother’s care for her became a beautiful display of love and attention.

To this day, my brother and his family have a barn full of cows and calves. This process happens annually. It’s amazing to observe. I am not sure why Frannie became the one we all loved and desired to flourish. She just was. Frannie captured our hearts. She had our full attention. She won our devotion.

It was during this time that my thoughts drifted to a Psalm passage about the ways of the Lord toward his children.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me

Psalm 139:1-6 NIV

God knows you and sees you. Pause and consider this: He observes every breath you take. He is intimately acquainted with you. He desires for you to be comforted and to be cared for infinitely beyond what you can imagine. Just like my family was caring for and watching over Frannie’s every breath, so the Lord watches over you.

May the following five days transform your entire thought process as you ponder and consider God’s desire to comfort and care for you. Wherever you are on your journey God wants you to be fully convinced of His presence and love. This plan is designed for you to read Scripture slowly and steadily. Observe God’s Word, give thought to what God is saying, and what He wants to say to you.

I hope the Lord will comfort you through this study. We all need it. - Joan

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for pursuing me. You search my heart; you perceive my thoughts. You know where I am. You know me inside and out. You know my habits and how I spend my time. You know all about me and offer Your loving protection. Your hand is over me. Help me to recognize Your presence and protection throughout this day, knowing I am not alone. Others may leave me, but You are an ever-present comfort to me. Amen.

For this plan, read the Scripture, pray for understanding, and answer the questions. Use the notes app on your phone or a journal or notebook to record your answers. Better yet, invite someone to do this plan with you and answer the questions in the Talk it Over section each day.

What do you notice about the character of God?

What do we learn about a relationship with God?

How does this bring comfort to you today?