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Thoughts in Worship 4.12.2016
Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, April 12, 2016
This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “Pure Religion.”
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27).
It is not easy to see people suffering, in pain, or emotionally distressed. And this is one of the reasons people give for not visiting the sick or afflicted. Some people say they cannot handle it. Some people feel like they cannot handle the sadness that might overcome them if they invest their time visiting those who are lonely. I ask you, if that is you or anyone you know, how must the afflicted ones feel in that case? If you or I feel sad witnessing their affliction, how must they feel being afflicted?
Our theme text did not simply say we should invest time in the lives of widows. It added the phrase, “in their affliction.” This means that there are many women who have enjoyed long relationships with their beloved husbands, but for whatever reasons, the husbands have met their untimely demise. This must be heart wrenching. Can you imagine having your life so intertwined with someone else, possibly having children together, having all of your business affairs melded together, and a home that is the essence of your bond, and then suddenly that is all ripped away through death? I would call that affliction.
These dear women have built up years of memories with one man whom they vowed to live with happily ever after. They quite possibly can almost hear his voice, sense how he smelled, see his loving eyes as though he were right there, but he’s not, and nothing can bring Him back. Who will now be these dear women’s companions? Whom will they be able to call just to talk, go on walks in the park with, or share a cup of their favorite mint tea with?
Our God is very practical. While it is true that nobody can replace the love of a deceased husband, caring friends can show love on such a level that reduces the sting. We can be a listening hear. We can be an empathetic shoulder to cry on. We can lend a helping hand. We can intercede in prayer. We can simply, yet profoundly be available in whatever way they may need us to be. And all told, we might even be surprised at how much the simplest gestures of love impact the lives of these women.
So if you know any women whose husbands have died, by all means lend a helping hand and a compassionate ear to lighten their burdens wherever possible. It will go a long way in facilitating their healing.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)
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By Message Magazine
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Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, April 12, 2016
This Week’s Devotional Focus is, “Pure Religion.”
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27).
It is not easy to see people suffering, in pain, or emotionally distressed. And this is one of the reasons people give for not visiting the sick or afflicted. Some people say they cannot handle it. Some people feel like they cannot handle the sadness that might overcome them if they invest their time visiting those who are lonely. I ask you, if that is you or anyone you know, how must the afflicted ones feel in that case? If you or I feel sad witnessing their affliction, how must they feel being afflicted?
Our theme text did not simply say we should invest time in the lives of widows. It added the phrase, “in their affliction.” This means that there are many women who have enjoyed long relationships with their beloved husbands, but for whatever reasons, the husbands have met their untimely demise. This must be heart wrenching. Can you imagine having your life so intertwined with someone else, possibly having children together, having all of your business affairs melded together, and a home that is the essence of your bond, and then suddenly that is all ripped away through death? I would call that affliction.
These dear women have built up years of memories with one man whom they vowed to live with happily ever after. They quite possibly can almost hear his voice, sense how he smelled, see his loving eyes as though he were right there, but he’s not, and nothing can bring Him back. Who will now be these dear women’s companions? Whom will they be able to call just to talk, go on walks in the park with, or share a cup of their favorite mint tea with?
Our God is very practical. While it is true that nobody can replace the love of a deceased husband, caring friends can show love on such a level that reduces the sting. We can be a listening hear. We can be an empathetic shoulder to cry on. We can lend a helping hand. We can intercede in prayer. We can simply, yet profoundly be available in whatever way they may need us to be. And all told, we might even be surprised at how much the simplest gestures of love impact the lives of these women.
So if you know any women whose husbands have died, by all means lend a helping hand and a compassionate ear to lighten their burdens wherever possible. It will go a long way in facilitating their healing.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)