God Knows What We Need

As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust. As for mortals, their days are like grass; they flourish like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who feat him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. Psalm 103:13-18 (NRSV)

Judith Wolfgang, from Kentucky, attended a worship service in her church with a heavy heart. Het dad was dying, and nothing more could be done for him medically. Tears streamed down her face, but Judith could not easily leave because she was sitting in the front row where she expected a friend to join her. Beautiful flowers rested on the altar table and the sermon was inspiring. But what touched Judith most that day were the hymns they sang with joy and enthusiasm. Those hymns touched her heart and reminded her that God knows exactly what we need.

When the service was over, her face was tear-stained. But Judith left the church feeling far better than when she entered. She knew that whatever lay ahead for her dad and her, her heavenly Father would give her strength. Judith resolved to keep her heart receptive to the experiences God offers her and the way God wants her to use her life.

Judith's dad is now with her mother in heaven. And God is still faithful. Judith gives thanks that God is always available to us, in both our pain and joy.

Prayer: Good and gracious God, help us to remember that your grace is sufficient for our every need. May our focus be on you always, in Jesus' name. Amen.