I sat in the intensive care unit by the side of my mother-in-law a few days ago as a ventilator breathed for her. I was grateful for a precious last few moments with her before we had to say goodbye on this earth a few hours later. In the relative calm of early morning I read some Bible passages to her, and to myself. I would like to share three of them.
The spirit of the words I believe Jesus was whispering in Marlene's ear as he took her hand and led her into his presence:
Isaiah 43:1-5,10-11
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored and I love you...Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east and from the west I will gather you...'
You are my witnesses' declared the Lord, ' and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he...I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.
These words reflect the way I believe Marlene's spirit responded back to him as he carried her into Life:
Psalm 73:23-26,28
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart forever...
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge that I may tell of all your works.
Words for those of us who grieve:
Psalm 69:3,13-14,16-18, 29, 32-33
I am weary with my crying out;
my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God...
O, Lord, At an acceptable time, O God,
In the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in you saving faithfulness.
Deliver me sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters...
Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;
according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Hide not your face from your servant; for I am in distress;
make haste to answer me.
Draw near to my soul...
But I am afflicted and in pain..
I will praise the name of God with a song;
I will magnify him with thanksgiving...
you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
For the Lord hears the needy.
If you too are in a season of grief, I pray that these words from the God who loves you will comfort your heart as they have mine.
Beth
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