The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: then wilt make all his bed in his sickness (Ps. 41:3).
Remember, this promise is made to the person who considers the poor, as we read in the first verse of this psalm. Am I one of these? If so, then I may take home this text as my own promise.
In the most ancient times it was the custom to exhibit the sick in public places so that benevolent persons, or those who had suffered from the same disease or had cared for such, might suggest a remedy. It was in this way, we are told, that the science of medicine had its beginning.
The sick must be helped by others. Disease brings that equality that death completes. Distinctions then are set aside. One person is not above another in the sickroom. There is no place for gaiety, human glory, or wit. Even the reason is sometimes clouded. Here the highest and brightest mortals find nothing left but weakness and pain.
How wonderful at such a time to have loving friends with their kind and tender ministrations, especially a Christian physician with a blessed ministry, than which there can be no greater comfort.
But above and beyond all this is the wonderful promise that God will be our nurse and attendant. How relaxing and restful it is to poor patients to have the bed remade, smoothed, and properly prepared for their aching body! Notice the promise that the Lord will "make all his bed in sickness." Divine grace, divine love--these are the best stimulants and medicines. As someone has said: "There is no physician like the Lord, no tonic like His promise, no wine like His love."
But have we done our duty to the poor? If not, let us hasten about it, for we need this promise of God in our treasury.
MEDITATION PRAYER: "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Ps. 119:50).
Remember, this promise is made to the person who considers the poor, as we read in the first verse of this psalm. Am I one of these? If so, then I may take home this text as my own promise.
In the most ancient times it was the custom to exhibit the sick in public places so that benevolent persons, or those who had suffered from the same disease or had cared for such, might suggest a remedy. It was in this way, we are told, that the science of medicine had its beginning.
The sick must be helped by others. Disease brings that equality that death completes. Distinctions then are set aside. One person is not above another in the sickroom. There is no place for gaiety, human glory, or wit. Even the reason is sometimes clouded. Here the highest and brightest mortals find nothing left but weakness and pain.
How wonderful at such a time to have loving friends with their kind and tender ministrations, especially a Christian physician with a blessed ministry, than which there can be no greater comfort.
But above and beyond all this is the wonderful promise that God will be our nurse and attendant. How relaxing and restful it is to poor patients to have the bed remade, smoothed, and properly prepared for their aching body! Notice the promise that the Lord will "make all his bed in sickness." Divine grace, divine love--these are the best stimulants and medicines. As someone has said: "There is no physician like the Lord, no tonic like His promise, no wine like His love."
But have we done our duty to the poor? If not, let us hasten about it, for we need this promise of God in our treasury.
MEDITATION PRAYER: "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Ps. 119:50).
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