Oh, that you might hear the command which rings from heaven’s throne this very hour: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.” How can a soul so overwhelmed by woe, a mother bereft of her little ones and of her husband, find a comfort that is not mere empty words? There is but one place, it is the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood whispers peace within the deepest darkness. Your sorrow surges round like a flood, yet even here, perfect peace may visit you. Peace, perfect peace, though death has shadowed you and yours, because Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.
Do not look within for a comfort that your own heart cannot manufacture. This is your comfort in affliction: God’s own Word, applied by the Spirit, quickening you to new life. It is not the letter alone, but the living breath of God that revives the soul. When He quickens, He comforts. The roundabout way is the straight way, pray that He would not merely give you a comfortable feeling, but that He would stir spiritual life within you, and there you will find true consolation.
You ask for healing, for restoration. Behold the Tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. The least thing about Christ, the simple touch of His garment’s hem, is charged with healing virtue for a sin-sick soul and a wounded heart. His blood can wash away all sin; His righteousness becomes your covering. Do not think that salvation is partly your doing and partly His. Cast yourself wholly upon Him, His finished work, His precious death, His glorious resurrection. This is the way: “Whoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed.” The Scripture is plain; lay hold of it.
You mourn that you lack sensibility, that your heart seems numb. Do not make an idol of your feelings. The question is not, “Do I feel humbly enough?” but, “Has Christ borne my sin in His own body on the tree?” Come with your empty hands and your broken heart, and trust Him now. He knows all, as He asked Peter, so He sees you through and through, and yet He loves you. He died to redeem just such souls as yours.
Here, then, is both comfort and constancy. Comfort alone is not enough; you must be established in every good word and work. Run to the Scriptures; stay your mind on Him. You will keep him in perfect peace, peace, peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Let your mind lodge upon His faithfulness. Let your heart rest in the certainty that your loved ones who died in infancy or childhood are safe in Jesus’ keeping, and that if your trust is in Christ, you too are safe, and shall see them again where earth’s struggles cease and heaven’s perfect peace begins.
Therefore, by the Spirit’s enabling, let this prayer ascend: “Lord, ordain peace for me. Quicken me according to Your Word. I cannot stir my own dead soul, but You who worked all my works in me can do all things. I cast myself upon Jesus Christ alone for salvation. His blood has power. His resurrection is my guarantee. Let my heart hear this whisper: It is enough. And let me walk even through this valley with my hand in His, till He calls me home.” Amen.