“Then he led me back to the bank of the river… There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there… Fishermen will stand along the shore… there will be places for spreading nets…”
Ezekiel 48:6b, 9b, 10a
“Mom, I think Grandpa went straight from fishing on that river in Farmington to fishing on that river in heaven.” The words of my young son, spoken only moments after hearing of the death of my father, brought a smile to my face in the midst of unspeakable devastation, shock, and grief. The insight of children is often a blessing, and of course I encouraged the idea as it came from his heart and brought comfort to us all.
My father went to be with the Lord seventeen years ago, yet it seems like yesterday in many ways. Still, the pain can be as sharp as it was in those first few moments. He was struck by lightning while fly fishing, gone in an instant that still seems unreal.
What was and is very real is the comfort of God, often coming in unexpected ways, but always just when needed, ever faithful and full of His grace. Sometime later, my sister called to see if I had read our Bible study lesson for the week. I had not, but went to do it and was overcome by the words of scripture, speaking of the River of Life, spoken of in Ezekiel and in Revelation 21, the river which flows from God’s throne in the millennial kingdom.
I don’t know exactly what it will be like in that wonderful new heaven and new earth God is preparing for us. The scriptures speak of a place where nothing is lacking, where pain and parting will never occur again, a place where the light comes not from the sun, but from God and Jesus Christ.
Whatever is going on in your life right now, you can be assured that God’s word speaks to your need. Whether you approach your time of trial with the faith of a child, or the maturity of a long-time believer, there are words of comfort and of healing in scripture.
Open God’s word today. No matter what you are seeking, you will find the answers there. He offers hope for the future and peace for the present. We are safe in His hands, for He is faithful.
© Copyright 2012 by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman and www.normagail-2mefromhim.blogspot.com. All Rights Reserved.
One Comment
Hi Norma, Wonderful words of encouragement for both young or mature believers”. He offers hope for the future and peace for the present. We are safe in His hands, for He is faithful”…great words that nicely sum up the message 🙂