The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"A Special Altar"
Yesterday's solemn remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001 reminded me of a particular and special altar of prayer we do well to build within our hearts.
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort" (II Corinthians 1:3).
People still suffer from that day, emotionally and physically. Americans who lived during those times continue to feel a deep sadness within our hearts when the images and sounds of 9/11 come to mind. Some of our countrymen, however, feel the challenge more. People still remain who suffer physically from what happened on that day. Some have felt keen and lingering pain for 21 years, and will until they pass away. Some have never walked, or left a bed during these twenty one years since 9/11/01. Others grieve deeply in their hearts for loved ones who died on that day in the cauldron of cruelty. Spouses still miss beloved husbands and wives. Children, now grown into adulthood, sorrow that they missed so much time with a beloved father or mother. Colleagues of first responders who gave their lives for others continue to remember the brave sacrifice of their friends, and so wish they remained to answer calls of duty with them. Yes, so much pain lingers after more than two decades, griefs and agonies of fellow Americans for which we all wish we could do something to help.
We can. Or rather, we know Someone who can.
"Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous" (Psalm 112:4).
The light that arises in the darkness of our sorrow for others reminds us of the heart of the God of all comfort. This also brings to mind our privileged responsibility that "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all" (I Timothy 2:1). We can pray for the hurting of 9/11 in the assurance our Heavenly Father desires we do so, and in even greater assurance He will thereby administer His compassion to those who know Him, and to those who don't as He seeks to lead them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Such an altar of prayer doubtless serves the glory of God and the comfort of others far more than we will ever know in this lifetime. How can this not be when we offer our supplications to One whose heart is "full of compassion?"
I try to remember this altar when 9/11 comes to mind. For most of us, the day reminds of sad and painful history. For many, however, 9/11/2001 is today. The sorrow and pain linger in heart and in body. Again, we know Someone who can do something about this. Let us visit this, a special altar, and do what we can do by seeking the consoling administrations of the God of all comfort. He will doubtless respond in ways we will almost surely not see, but which we can know based on who He is, and the blessed truth that...
"The Lord is good to all, and His tendermercies are over all His works."
(Psalm 145:9)
Weekly Memory Verse
"The Lord is good to all, and His tendermercies are over all His works."
(Psalm 145:9)
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