Psalm 31:7

7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

There have been many times since I assumed the role of Chaplain to this group where I have felt completely inadequate to the task. When I first accepted the responsibility, I thought it was something that would come easily and naturally to me.

I’ve been a Bible study teacher, a book discussion leader, a prayer warrior, and a reasonably mature Christian for over a decade now. I’ve walked in the valleys and among the heights. I’ve known the joy of feeling God’s presence, and the despair of wondering where He is.

Yet, the experiences of the past four months in my life have just been overwhelming. And each month, when I sit down to write this devotional, I wonder what, if anything, I have to offer.

As I flipped through the Bible, looking at verses about Love, since it is the month for Valentines, I kept praying for inspiration. Then, this verse jumped out at me. “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.”

I can attest to the truth of these words, even though it’s still hard for me to rejoice. Yet, God knows the sorrows and the struggles I’ve faced in recent months, and he sent me to you, and you to me.

I have seen His love through the actions of people in this group, and through others in our church.
As I dearly missed my Frank this week, Barbara sent me words of encouragement. Carol checked up on me, sometimes multiple times a day. One woman from church brought me a dozen, white-stemmed roses. Another stopped by with a box of chocolates and a card for me, telling me that Frank spoke to her in prayer that morning, instructing her to “take care of my girl today.”

It’s because you’ve chosen to minister to me that I’m able in any small way to minister to you. I will rejoice and be glad in His love, because you have listened to His prompting, soothing the anguish of my soul with your kindness and caring.

As we write and share our stories, may they ever point to His power in our lives, and His desire to use His people to bring peace and purpose to many.

Thank you for ministering to the one who is supposed to minister to you. I pray that as I use my life’s experience to reflect on His greatness, you are touched by His great mercy and love as well.