Sometimes, in the midst of our troubles, chest-high in the rubble of broken dreams and emotions, we find nuggets of great, sustaining worth.
I was reminded of this today while reading the opening chapters of Job in my One-Year Bible. It is both humbling and inspiring to read of Job’s faith in God and diligence with spiritual disciplines.
I was reminded that I need to do better by my children when it comes to intercessory prayer.
What particularly stirred me this morning, however, was a statement that gripped me in a way that had no direct connection with the point Job was making.
In pouring out his broken heart to God subsequent to the horrific losses of loved ones, health and wealth, Job spoke curse after curse against the day of his birth.
Understand that his cursing did not involve profanity or unrighteous language. He was simply venting his frustration against the day without which he wouldn’t have then been suffering.
It’s very blunt language, dripping with frustration but never with denial of faith in God.
Actually — and this is the part that really spoke to me — Job’s words carried clear confidence in God’s promise of peace for the afterlife of those who are faithful.
Even more piercing to my inner feelings were the words in 3:11-13. I’ll share them and then explain how they brought me comfort.
“Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed? For now I would be lying down in peace. I would be asleep and at rest.”
What the faithful Job was saying was that children who die at childbirth, or before, enter a place of soul rest.
Hold onto that thought for a moment while I point your attention to King David’s words in 2 Samuel 12:23. That’s the passage containing David’s response upon learning that his first child by Bathsheba had died seven days after birth.
I want to share one more passage and then weave them into a small comforter to warm your spirit when memories of lost loved ones seek to chill your soul.
Here is how the verses were fitted together in my mind by the Holy Spirit this morning.
Job didn’t intend it but he gave me yet another affirmation this morning that my three children who died during pregnancy are now enjoying peace in the presence of the Lord.
And my emotions were certainly not on the radar screen of King David when he spoke of his eternal reunion with the departed child. Yet David’s words were lifesavers to me years ago when my heart was repeatedly crushed by the losses.
The third passage? Oh yeah, like any faithful, earthly daddy, it gives me incredible comfort to know that my blameless, unborn kids have an enduring inheritance filled with unimaginable comfort and joy — forever!
Hmmmm…. in the midst of Job’s suffering and sorrow, there is a promise of deliverance.
In the midst of David’s suffering and sorrow, there is the same promise of deliverance.
And in the midst of the trials permeating Psalm 37, there is a promise of deliverance.
I have three children waiting on me in glory.
Because I so long to see them, I will wait on the Lord with every aspect of my life.
Dear friend, if you have lost children during pregnancy or early in their childhood, please take comfort from these verses. They will do much to sustain you.
If you have not faced this depth of pain, please ask God to use you to pass these words along to others who have faced this gut-wrenching burden.
Hope is so important for them to have.
Their departed children are in the presence of perfect hope. As believers, you and I are to do all that we can to bring words of hope to those still awaiting their day of deliverance AND their day of reunion with their kids.