August 2001:  The Hope of the Lord

When King David's son became ill, "David pleaded with God for the child.  He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground.  The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.  

How many of us have felt like David, when we knew our child was dying, or after our child was gone?  I know that I have.  There was a time when it was difficult to eat, to sleep, to do anything "normal."   Everyone of us grieves for our children, even King David.

On the seventh day the child died.  David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, 'While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us.  How can we tell him the child is dead?  He may do something desperate.'  David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead.  'Is the child dead?' he asked.  'Yes,' they replied, 'he is dead.'  Then David got up from the ground.  After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshipped.  Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.  His servants asked him, 'Why are you acting this way?  While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but not that the child is dead, you get up and eat!'  He answered, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept.  I thought, "Who knows?  The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live."  But now that he is dead, why should I fast?  Can I bring him back again?  I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'"  --2 Samuel 12:15-25

How was David able to worship God after the tragic passing of his son?  David had a greater comfort than the world has to offer.  He had hope in the promise of the Lord, that his child was in Heaven and that he would see him again one day.  This does not mean David never felt sad again.  We have difficult days, but we are able to get through them by holding on to God's promise.

Why should David find hope in God, when it seems like God did not answer his prayer that his child would live?  God did answer David, just not in the way David expected.  Through this tragedy, God brought David closer to Him.  David also experienced a positive change in his relationship with his wife, Bathsheba.  At first we may not see the purpose in the passing of our children, but somehow, God always manages to turn our tragedies into victories.  

How can we have hope in the Lord?

	We can pray.  Ask God to give you hope.  Tell Him that you need Him.  He does not give us anything that we cannot handle without Him.  If we try to make it on our own, we will not make it.  He wants us to come to Him and share our grief with Him.  He wants us to know how much He loves us.
	Meditate on the word of God.  My favorite scriptures about the promises of God are:  Psalm 85:8--God promises "peace to His people"

Psalm 145:13--"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all he has made."

Hebrews 6:18-20--God confirmed His promise with an oath so that "we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.  We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf."

We all have bad days, and that is okay.  You are allowed to grieve.  Even God grieves for His children.  But remember that God has promised you something greater.  You will see your children in Heaven one day.  Until then, hold on to the promises God has given you, for God's "grace is sufficient for you, for [His] power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9)