Psalm 71 - "Come To Jesus"

Yesterday started with a call from a family who were called in for their loved one being in their last hours.  The day included a couple trips to be with the family and ended with the call that our friend had passed.  There were so many emotions throughout the day.  Pain in seeing her going through physical issues yet joy in knowing she was on her journey to be with Jesus.

In the short drive to be with them yesterday morning the Lord brought Chris Rice's "Untitled Hymn" to my lips.  As we finished the evening off, the song was there too.  Connie did "Come to Jesus."  I can picture her now up there ready to "Sing to Jesus."  Most of all I can picture her, cancer-free, ready to "Dance for Jesus."  There is comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain, dealing with doctors or chemo.  There is comfort in knowing she is with the Lord in paradise.  

I praise His Holy Name for the time I had with her.  When I would be there to pray and encourage her, she encouraged me.  I have such fond memories of our talks and will miss her.  The days ahead will be tough on her friends and family.  I pray they will have comfort in knowing where she is.  I also pray the unsaved will find a relationship with the Lord so they will have the hope in seeing her again.

Connie knew where she would be when she left this earth.  There was no doubt in her mind. As someone said yesterday, she wasn't afraid to share Jesus with anyone.  What a legacy to leave behind.  She lived each and every day of these last eleven months believing the Lord was going to heal her.  In her last days she realized her healing was going to be in an eternal healing.  When I think of Connie, I think of Psalm 71.  Verse twenty reminds me that Connie's life was restored by her death on this earth and her life in heaven.  Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

Psalm 71

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
    turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
    to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
    from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
    my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
    I will ever praise you.
7 I have become a sign to many;
    you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
    declaring your splendor all day long.

9 Do not cast me away when I am old;
    do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies speak against me;
    those who wait to kill me conspire together.
11 They say, “God has forsaken him;
    pursue him and seize him,
    for no one will rescue him.”
12 Do not be far from me, my God;
    come quickly, God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame;
    may those who want to harm me
    be covered with scorn and disgrace.

14 As for me, I will always have hope;
    I will praise you more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
    of your saving acts all day long—
    though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, SovereignLord;
    I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
    and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
    do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
    your mighty acts to all who are to come.

19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
    you who have done great things.
    Who is like you, God?
20 Though you have made me see troubles,
    many and bitter,
    you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
    you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor
    and comfort me once more.

22 I will praise you with the harp
    for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
    Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will shout for joy
    when I sing praise to you—
    I whom you have delivered.
24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
    all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
    have been put to shame and confusion.

Dear Jesus,
Comfort my friends as they go through this huge loss in their hearts.  Father, I pray You will love on them in such a way that they will draw close to You.  Lord, put people around them who will make a difference in their lives.  Protect them from the enemy.  Thank You for my friendship with dear Connie.  I'm thankful she is with You and out of pain.  I'm thankful for the peace she finally has in her physical body.  Thank You Jesus for being My Support each and every day.  Amen.