What a Great Comfort!
We are going to take another short break from our study on the terms of God found in the Psalms, though technically what I want to discuss today is another term for God. I share with you this post because of a current tragedy at our house. Most of you know that we have a twelve-year-old dog named Mitchell, and some of you may remember that Mitch has been dealing with a growing tumor/cyst on his left back leg. Until the past couple of weeks, despite the growing mass, Mitch had been his normal wild and crazy self. He loved life and enjoyed hiking as much as possible.
Recently, he began to suffer from more weakness in that leg, but still, his excitement for life lingered. This week, however, things have been different. A portion of the tumor burst open and began bleeding. Over the past few days, we've dealt with the bleeding, which is off and on depending on how much he messes with it.
Unfortunately, that isn't the only thing that has changed. Mitch is not Mitch anymore, and Jason suspects he may have had a mild heart attack. He is very lethargic and dazed. We took him out for a hike (which we both suspected would be his final one), hoping that he would regain some of the "Mitchell bounce" we were used to. He could only walk about ten steps without collapsing to the ground and panting wildly. We quickly abandoned the hike and simply allowed him to enjoy the car ride (another favorite on his list of things to do). As of now, he is still not himself, and the tumor is growing worse.
Tomorrow, the plan is for Jason to take Mitch to the vet, at which point, we will likely be saying goodbye to our precious pup who has given us over a decade of joy, laughs and love. We've known for months that this day was near, but that doesn't make it any easier. Words cannot describe how difficult this is for us, and so, for today's devotion, if you'll allow me, I want to focus on God as our comfort.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. - Psalm 94:19
If you look up the word "comfort" in the dictionary, you will find the following definition:
1. strengthening aid, assistance, or support; 2. consolation in time of trouble or worry; 3. a feeling of relief or encouragement; 4. contented well-being; 5. a satisfying or enjoyable experience.
So, what comfort do you think this verse might be talking about. I have a few ideas:
God's grace
God's mercy
God's love
God's kindness
God's goodness
God's gentleness
God's patience
God's care
God's compassion
God's faithfulness
God's Word
God's peace
God's understanding
God's generosity
God's guidance
God's provision
And on and on and on. . .
In the midst of troubled times and turbulent thoughts, don't focus on the circumstances that surround you. Instead, focus on God, who is the Comfort of all comforts!