SORROWFUL CHILDREN

We usually think of children as being happy, which is normal. However, in God's ways some boys and girls learn early what suffering means, be it through illness or disappointment at the loss of a dear one. In such cases comfort is to be found where love is, and especially, for the believer on the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew what it was to be "very sorrowful even unto death". Also, from the shortest verse in the Bible we learn that, very simply, "Jesus wept". Ishmael, a sorrowing boy, was only a youngster when he had to learn what it was to be left alone and 'lost' in the wilderness. God heard the voice of the boy there where he was. In fact, his name was called Ishmael, meaning "God hears". All this must encourage the young folk to carry every trouble to God in prayer, although He sees and knows all things. By the habit of prayer they would grow up to be reliant in Him rather than self-reliant as Ishmael unhappily became.

It is of interest that the three great apostles also wept, great men as they were. In the case of Peter the tears were those of sorrow for failure to confess his Master; with Paul it was because of the enemies of the cross of Christ; John wept much until he understood that the Lord, seen by him as the Lamb, is able to solve every problem to the glory of God.

Do you know the Lord?

J.C.Evershed