“Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us…and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).
Before having a CT scan a short time ago, I was injected with radioactive dye. An unusual surge of warmth swept through my body. As I marveled at the wonder of God’s creation, the human body, my thoughts turned to the warmth of His love.
How desperately we each need it. Love that is pure and persistent, the welcoming and selfless affection of another person. But what if we don’t experience that? Or are disappointed, rejected, or forgotten? When we suffer from a chronic illness that sometimes happens.
Yes, the child of God has in Him “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). But have you not had days when you felt totally alone, with no sense of His presence? Where do we find comfort then? Let me share with you just a few ways my heavenly Father has given me a kind of warm hug, a reassuring reminder of His love.
The Christmas after we had to part with our sweet puppy, Sugar, my husband gave me a little look-alike Beanie Baby. I cried when I saw it, because it showed his recognition of my grief. Another time, in the evening, I had a chat with a friend who listened to a “rerun” of my day as if I and my news were of the utmost significance to her. As well, there’s the vivid memory from years ago of a nurse giving me a gentle wash the day after I had major surgery. Such experiences refreshed me, soul and body.
The Lord also uses soul-nurturing music, and of course His holy Word, to bring comfort. Even the birds that daily congregate on our feeders remind me of my value to God, and of His constant care. (“Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows,” Luke 12:7.)
By these and other means today, “May the Lord direct [our] hearts into [a fresh realization and renewing experience of] God’s love” (II Thessalonians 3:5).
About the Author:
Beth Cottrill lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with her retired pastor/teacher husband, Bob, an avid football fan. She finds living with Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, osteo-arthritis and a stroke of several years ago a challenge, but also training for a ministry to others. She loves nature, animals, music, making cards and, last but not least, being a grandma.
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Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 
Hi Beth, I love your devotional. When I read its opening lines, I could feel that sensation I have known when getting the dye injections for CT scans.
How we do long for the warmth of care and it seems that many of us have had friends wander away as our challenges intensify. It makes the dear ones who stay close all the more precious – they truly are hugs from God that help us feel His care.
Your words encourage me to be on the look out for new ways and forms that He may use to infuse His care.
Thanks, friend!
Love,
Lynn
Hi Beth,
I too have been there, but it is wonderful that God finds so many ways – often quite unique – to remind us of His love for us. Thanks for your reminder today and may you feel a hug from God yourself today.
Fiona
Dear Lynn & Fiona,
I sure appreciate your encouraging words. And Fiona, I did feel several hugs from God today, including one from each of you. 🙂