Last night many from the church got to be with Melanie as she left to be with Jesus. There were many prayers, and much pleading with God. The words of the Psalmist were echoed in each prayers own way.
To you, O LORD, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary. (Psalm 28:1-2)
It was a sad time; a difficult time. But it was also a glorious time. We knew where Melanie was, and we knew that God was present with us. There was no doubt that each prayer was heard. God was at that bedside along with us.
Blessed be the LORD!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him. (Psalm 28:6-7)
As the night progressed we read Scripture and sang hymns together. As the Scripture was read, their words carried power. They hit their mark upon us as we felt the weight of each word, as though written for us to hear at that moment. The prayers were often accompanied with tears. The songs were accompanied with many voices as they brought us all together in worship. It was the Lord’s Day.
McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan: Lev 22, Ps 28-29, Ecc 5, 2 Tim 1
Thank you,Carter. Your words and God’s Word are helpful to me. I feel “spent” after such a bittersweet time at Melanie’s departure. It is nice to read these words this morning – when my cup needs to be refilled.