I
want to apologize right up front – this will probably be a lengthy blog.
The past 6 months have been hard and difficult and, even though I have wanted
to write, I felt blocked from even attempting to do so! Sometime when my heart
is freer, I will post my thoughts about all that.
For now I want to share something
precious. I chose that word on purpose – for that is exactly what God calls the
death of His saints.
There is an older couple at our
church who have been very dear to us. Every Christmas their names are mentioned
very quickly as someone we must go carol to as a family! Andy and Louise have
been a godly example of grace and we have been very blessed to know them. Even
through the struggle of cancer that has raged through Louise’s body, they
have been a shining example of their faith in God.
I found out this morning that Louise
is walking and talking with Jesus. And
oh, the joy she must have to be there! But I want to share with you what
impacted me yesterday and this morning in my quiet time.
Yesterday Tim and I went and spent
some time with Andy and Louise at their home. A couple of their daughters and
grandchildren were there around the hospital bed that has been set up in their
living room. We were immediately welcomed and joined the circle.
I think this was the first time in
my life I have ever spent time with someone who was so close to death. In some
ways I wasn’t prepared for
what I saw. Louise’s body was
definitely shutting down – she was on
morphine at this point. There were moments when she wasn’t breathing. But
I did not see any panic or despair. Andy would bend down close to Louise’s ear and tell
her how much he loved her, that we were going to pray with them, and then he
gave her a big kiss! I was stroking her arm and when Andy mentioned we were
going to pray, she tried to raise her arm – and we joined hands. As we left, I
heard Andy singing - I believe it was “How Firm a Foundation”.
When we were driving away and I
could speak through the lump in my throat, I told Tim I hoped I would be that
strong when it came my time to say goodbye to him. Even in death, this couple
has remained an example of how to live by God’s grace.
The verse about the preciousness of
the death of a saint in God’s eyes has been playing over and over in my heart.
It is from Psalm 116. So this morning I sat and read that psalm several times. What
an amazing psalm! It really encouraged my heart.
What is so amazing is the beginning
of the psalm and all the incredible things God does:
He heard my
voice
He heard my cry
for mercy
He turned His
ear to me
The Lord is
gracious and righteous
Our God is full
of compassion
The Lord
protects the simplehearted
When I was in
great need, He saved me
So the pep talk the author of this
psalm gives himself is one I am taking to heart, too;
Be at rest, ONCE
AGAIN, o my soul,
for the Lord has
been good to you.
As I was wrapping up my quiet time,
I grabbed my Valley of Vision book of
puritan prayers and read the one titled “The Throne”. This phrase gripped my heart:
Help me come to Christ
As the
fountain head of descending blessings,
As a wide
open flood-gate of mercy
I marvel at my insensate
folly
That with
such enriching favors within my reach
I am slow to
extend the hand to take them.
Yes, so true. The mercies that are
new every morning are within my reach and too many times I am, indeed, slow to extend
my hand to take them. So even though I don’t like the times of heart-ache or
struggle, I am so thankful God allows them into my life to bring my attention
back to Him. This is indeed precious to my heart.
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