Day of Praise

Tues, 12/06/16, "Day of Praise"

"My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes" - Job 16:16

God understands, and no one is exempt. God understands the weeping of every soul.

I remember the time I had just visited a dear friend's mom at a local hospital. When I came out of her room, a young nurse came up to me and said, "Chaplain, the woman in 3102 wants to see you."

I told the nurse that I wasn't one of the hospital's chaplains, but I'd be glad to visit the room nonetheless.

As I entered the room, the woman who requested the chaplain was quick to offer that she and the strong man, who was wearing the tight bandana, were not married as I would think of it, but they were married in the eyes of the Lord.

I'd been down this road before, and what that means is "Don't jump to conclusions! Listen! Because God understands, and no one is exempt."

The strong man didn't say a word as the woman, who was in bed awaiting open heart surgery, never stopped talking about her fears.

I merely listened, waited, and asked if I could pray with them.

Holding their hands (with hers being small and his like leather), I had barely said "Lord" and started praying God's promises, when the tears started to pour.

From both of them.

Small woman needing open-heart surgery. And large, strong, unshaven, bandana-covered, leather-handed man alike.

No one is exempt.

Our hearts, and more specifically our fears, as we walk in faith, yearn to hear and hunger to taste the promises of Almighty God in Jesus Christ.

Look at people today as God is looking at you. The eyes never lie. Someone is hurting in their heart, "My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes" (Job 16:16).

Greet them. Ask how they're doing. Listen. And offer to pray.

The tears won't be far behind.

God understands the weeping of every soul. And we are his ears and mouthpiece of comfort for those who need to cry.

Praise God!