Braced in the Lord

Several weeks ago my husband experienced severe back pain. He was on steroids and muscle relaxers to help alleviate the discomfort (hello Lala Land!) He was helped some, but was still uncomfortable. After a week or so of suffering, someone gave him a back brace to wear. He was surprised at the relief it brought him. It gave support and strength to his lower back that was so weak.

On this Monday morning I’m thinking back to last week and the “brace” that the Lord gave me during my dad’s illness. During his six day hospital stay he received a defibrillator and had cardiac ablation, helping his heartbeat to beat regular once again.

It was hard, as his daughter, to see my dad have to go through these things, but the brace the Lord gave to support me was Psalm 31:24 – Be of good courage and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that trust in the Lord. Of course, we were asking the Lord to strengthen my dad’s physical heart, but the greatest need for each of us was that He strengthen our spiritual hearts. That happens when we run to the Word and obey it. Our courage was not in the doctors, though we are thankful for the wisdom the Lord gave them. Our courage was not in the fact that we are Christians, for we know that God’s children will experience trials so He can strengthen them. Our courage is stated in the last part of the verse – in the Lord. We knew that we could trust Him to do what was best for my dad. We were reminded that He is sovereign and would do the right thing. I’ve asked the Lord to make me strong and not let me fall apart in times of trial. His Word is my brace. It strengthens the weak places of my fearful heart.

One special thing that has happened as a result of my dad’s illness is that this verse has become special to me as I’ve claimed it. It’s now listed in my Bible memory book under the category “Trust” so I can go back and review it and keep it tucked away for future reference. I know I’ll need it again…my heart will be a good place to keep it. It’s a brace that will help me to stand strong and rest in the Lord.