“The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to raid their livestock. And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house. His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah. Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son, Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, Nun his son, Joshua his son. Their possessions and settlements were Bethel and its towns, and to the east Naaran, and to the west Gezer and its towns, Shechem and its towns, and Ayyah and its towns” 1 Chronicles 7:20-28
The violent loss of two sons was torturous to bear. God met Ephraim in his mourning through the palpable comfort of brothers and the exquisite intimacy of marital love. Another son was born, who carried the seed of Joshua, one of the most brave and godly warriors of Israel, leading them to conquer and settle in the Promised Land. Ephraim could not have imagined the great bounty God would bring from such a sorrow.
In every accounting of a family, there is pain. At the news of a tragic death, or in the midst of shock and horror and choking grief, we cannot see any way forward, much less a bright future. Yet, the Potentate of Time sees and orders all in perfect procession. He knows the beginning from the end, and the end is whole, redemptive, and beneficent. (2 Peter 3:8; Revelation 21:1-7)
“He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
The Man of Sorrows is present in our sadness. He applies balm to the broken heart, and He always works good for His children. We may not see it, or live long enough to experience it, but we can trust His promises are true and His will certainly will come to pass and full fruition. (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 53:3; Romans 8:28-30)
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,..
who keeps faith forever.” Psalm 146:5,6c
Is there a past hurt or agonizing season we thought we’d never get through, and can see now with hindsight that the Lord walked the vale with us? Thank Him. Is there a present pain where we feel bereft, breathless, despairing? Trust Him. What loved one in the midst of grief needs hope and comfort? Draw near, and share the comfort you have received from the God of all comfort. (Psalm 23:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
What ways has the Lord tenderly borne us up in sorrow? How is He currently meeting a heartache or anguish with unexpected grace? Will we choose to place our hope in His righteousness and mercy? What offspring of generational faith, expectancy, and praise might we bear?
“Praise the Lord, O my soul!..
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down…
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 146:1,8b,10c
Lord, in the midst of grief help me look to Your constant goodness and certain glory.
As the rain and snow 