I remember when my children were infants, there were moments they seemed inconsolable. Whether they were in physical pain or something had upset them, the tears flowed incessantly and their cries were excruciatingly loud. Such moments were heart breaking.

That is, until their Daddy said their name, gently stroked their head or cradled them in his arms. Suddenly, the weeping ceased and the hysteria disappeared. Their father’s voice and his touch had a soothing effect and calmed them down.

Experiencing those moments helped me visualize the instances when our Heavenly Father has done the same for each of us.

I think of the struggles I have dealt with over the years: fear and worry. After I miscarried in my first pregnancy, fear would grip me every time I felt any twinge of pain in my following pregnancy. Then, worry would take over about what could possibly happen. I became inconsolable and seemed to be drowning in my tears. I felt alone and as if no one could ever understand what I was feeling.

Suddenly, I felt the loving embrace of our Father and the tears slowed down as He reminded me:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

I felt comforted because my Father’s voice was familiar and it soothed me. John 10:27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

I don’t know what circumstances you find yourself in today, but my prayer is that the loving presence of our Abba, His voice and His soothing touch would comfort you and give you peace.

~Joyce