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December 1, 2012
Day 26
Hand of Comfort
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Dear Praying Friend,
One of the most difficult positions to be in, during a time of illness or injury, is feeling like you are isolated and alone. Isolation is one of the enemy's greatest tactics. By isolating us from those closest to us, he is then able to go after his ultimate prize - our relationship with the Lord. Our trials and tribulations are meant to draw us closer to the Lord, not to drive a wedge between us. We must remember: No matter who in our life may leave or forget us, the Lord never will.
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"
(Hebrews 13:5b, emphasis added).
As we meditate on Psalm 38:9-12 today, we find David seeking the face of God, questioning why everyone has walked away from him. "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me" (Psalm 41:9). The pain of suffering and affliction is one thing, but the rejection and desertion of those closest to you is quite another - it can be unbearable. "You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend" (Psalm 88:18). As we discussed in yesterday's devotion, we are not to turn our backs on our suffering brothers and sisters, instead we are called to carry each other's burdens.
"If anyone has caused grief,
he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you,
to some extent - not to put it too severely.
The punishment inflicted on him by the majority
is sufficient for him.
Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him,
so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him."
(2 Corinthians 1:5-8)
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You that You have given Your Comforter to be with us always. In the darkest and most difficult places You are there. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?" There is no place that we can go that You are not there. Even though everyone may desert us, You are always by our side. When we feel alone Lord, help us to cling all the more to You; to find peace and rest in Your wonderful presence. Help us to remember when those closest to us turn their backs on us, or hurl insults at us, that You took their insults first: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." May we bite our tongue and refuse to lash back in our pain, but remain silent as we wait upon You. Allow our response to draw our friends and family to You as they witness the peace we have been given in the midst of the storm. Remind us of the pain we have endured when we see our brothers and sisters suffering - show us how to be a comfort to them, showering them with the love and favor You have lavished upon us. We praise You for daily reaffirming Your love for us. May we never fall into the trap of feeling alone ever again. From the deepest pit to the highest mountain we praise You for Your glorious presence that is always with us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 139:7; John 14:16; 26; 15:26; 16:7 (KJV); Romans 15:3; 2 Timothy 4:16-17. | 
