When I post something on Facebook as Pastor Terry Lema, it allows me to go back later and check “Insights.” Those insights show how many people interacted with the post, how many shared it, etc.
To Facebook, those insights are just cold statistics. To me, they are truly insights into whether what I write ministers to others.
Over the years I have found that the devotions that speak of pain, suffering, and brokenness often are the ones that have the highest views and shares. That tells me that many have painful parts of their lives that they may not share with others. Behind all those happy posts are hurting people looking for answers.
I don’t have all the answers to specific trials, but I do have THE answer that enables us to keep going in this life – not to just survive, but to thrive despite the trials.
“[The LORD] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds…. The LORD helps the afflicted…. The LORD values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love.” [Psalm 147:3, 6, 11 HCSB]
Psalm 147 is a song which celebrates God’s power, wisdom, and care for His creation. It serves as a testimony to God’s loving care and compassion in the lives of His people. He heals. He binds up wounds. He gathers His own to Himself. He “values” those who place their hope in Him.
“Values” means He accepts, favors and delights in His children. I know that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God loves His children. I know that I know that He delights in us. I know that I know …
