Words of Comfort
Kristen Lowe (Wisconsin, USA)


In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice. - Psalm 18:6 (NIV)




I have stage-3 breast cancer, and the chemotherapy treatments I’m receiving are harsh. I’m glad for the medicine, but it leaves me feeling sick, exhausted, and in pain. I have worked very hard to stay positive for those around me, pointing to how God sustains us in times of trouble. But sometimes when people ask me how I’m doing, I want to shout, “I’m having a terrible day! Everything hurts and I’m angry!” When I sit down with God, however, something changes within me. I can go to God angry and miserable, and God will hear me and bring me comfort.

Here is what I know. Even Jesus wept. Jesus had bad days: hearing that his cousin John had been beheaded, when his friend Lazarus died, certainly when he was betrayed by Judas, and when he looked out over Jerusalem, frustrated that his people would not respond to his love.

It’s okay to have bad days. God understands our humanity and still speaks to us with words of comfort — at any time. We will have good days and bad days. God will sustain us through them all.




TODAY'S PRAYER
O God, comfort us and wipe away our tears when we are too upset to know what to do. Hold us in the protection of the Holy Spirit, and remind us that you have not forgotten us. Amen.



----------------


TODAY'S READING
Psalm 18:1-6


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God loves me and understands me, especially on my bad days.


PRAYER FOCUS
Those undergoing cancer treatment