“The Lord will comfort Israel again and have pity on her ruins. Her desert will blossom like Eden, her barren wilderness like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air.” – Isaiah 51:3 (NLT)
Apparently my cat, Hemingway, is quite the fighter. He was acting lethargic a few days ago so I took him to the vet. An examination (and a partial headshave!) revealed multiple puncture wounds and scratches on his head and in his ear. I was horrified when I realized how much pain he was in.
Since then, I’ve done everything in my power to comfort my cat while he heals. I bought him some new toys. He’s been getting extra head rubs. I bought chicken-flavored baby food to mix with his antibiotics. And he spent the last two nights nestled between me and my husband in our bed.
If I am so concerned about comforting my cat, imagine how concerned God is with comfort during infertility for us, His people, when we are suffering.
The translation above says that the Lord will have “pity” on our ruins, but I like the word used in the NIV translation: compassion. God looks with compassion on our ruins.
Sometimes it feels like infertility leaves me with nothing but ruins- ruined dreams, ruined plans, ruined body, and ruined bank account. Some of you may have experienced ruined friendships or ruined marriages due to infertility.
But when we look at the second sentence, we see that God promises restoration. He talks of deserts blossoming and songs of thanksgiving. And the one that captures my attention– barren wilderness blossoming.
Oh, how I long for the day when my literal barrenness will be transformed into something that rivals God’s own garden! Maybe a baby will grow from that garden, and maybe not. His promise of restoration doesn’t guarantee me a baby. But if He’s comparing it to his own personal garden, then whatever it is, it must be beautiful.
Until I see that transformation, I am comforted by the fact that God sees my pain. He’s orchestrating events and circumstances to help me heal and show me I’m loved. I just need to keep my eyes open to see them.
As you pray today, ask God to help you see His acts of comfort and compassion toward you.
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