It is Labor Day weekend.  I have joined my Dad and other family members in and around ICU since Friday.  My Mom had a brain bleed Thurs afternoon. She has been in a deep sleep broken by short periods of wakefulness with her eyes open, no speech, little recognition and limited responses.

Because of personal circumstances in my own life over the last 4 months I have been doing a Bible Study on God’s Comfort. This study has led into many passages but Isaiah 40-66 and 2 Corinthians have been central stopping points.  The question driving my reflection: “How does God comfort His children?”

Sunday I sat with my Mom and read my Scripture reading out loud with her.  Somehow I understand things differently when I also hear myself read them out loud, slowly and with feeling.

When I read Isaiah 46:3-4 I paused and almost laughed out loud —

The place of comfort for us is resting in the arms of the God who made us, bears us along, carries and saves us.

I don’t remember my time in the womb of this woman to whom I am reading.  I don’t remember being ushered into this world from her body. BUT I have been blessed to worship the God who knows all those events in my life.  They happened on his watch; under his leading and strength.

Now I stroke my Mom’s snow white hair and my own hair is getting more and more like hers.  I paused in my reading and with a smile (yes, a smile in ICU) I whispered in her ear, Mom our Lord God is still carrying you.

Comfort is knowing He has never left us.  He has delighted to save us rebels, not unlike our distant cousin, Jacob. He MADE, BEARS, CARRIES AND SAVES us all of our days!  What a great place to be.  It invades all of the places of this world — ICU included— with his glorious hands and love.  Comfort fills the spaces in our hearts as we give ourselves to adoring our God.