In All Things, Small or Large

 

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! (Psalm 147:1-7 ESV).

Last month I went in to our doctor for my regular annual check-up. He asked if I’d like to get my flu shot while I was there. I said, “Sure, but can I have one of those cool superhero band aids also?” They know me very well and laughed along with my little frivolity. We all have known the same feeling though, especially when our young children scraped a knee or elbow, they’d cry for a bandage whether they needed one or not if they were imprinted with their favorite cartoon character. It is surprising how much comfort could come from a small adhesive strip. That’s probably because the tiny bandage represented much more than a wound covering. Perhaps the comfort also came from the application from people who also gave comfort and love with the first aid.

 

Throughout the Bible we can see that God uses small things to bring hope and healing to the world. God chose the small nation of Israel and charged them to be a blessing to all other nations. Through this group of people, preserved and cared for by God’s faithful hands, the Savior, Jesus Christ, came into the world. And the Savior himself came in a tiny package: a baby born of a teenage peasant girl. Who would imagine that such a child would heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds?

 

Psalm 147 uses words that echo throughout the Bible and were made visible as Jesus went about his compassionate healing ministry. What’s more, Jesus promises to forgive all our sins and to be with us always to bring comfort and hope far beyond words printed on a page.

 

Let’s give thanks that God works in small ways. Ask him to help you see today how his faithful hands are tending your wounded heart.