Living Lessons: The Cries of a Child

Living Lessons: Sunday February 9th, 2014

The cries of a child:   Whew, it’s been a challenging week! Being the hospital chaplain on call this past week had me clipping on my DCH nametag at crazy hours responding to tough family situations.  Multiple moments have seen a grown man or woman shedding tears in my arms while searching for answers to life’s trials.  What would you say to help ease their grief?

I “noticed” another scripture this week that I have pointed people to in tough times.  From Genesis 21:17 we read “¹⁷ God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.’”

What a beautiful verse sharing the blessings of care from our God!  We do not serve a God that is distant, detached, or dispassionate.  No, we serve a God who hears the cries of even a child in the desert.  He cares about the cries of a child, and He responds.

Someone might be tempted to say that God really only cares this deeply about spiritual titans like those in the hall of faith, or those who are extremely devout, yet this passage lets us know God cares for the seemingly insignificant ones around us.  This passage is not about Jacob, Joseph, John, or Jesus.  This compassionate view of God shares how our Lord cares for even the child of a slave, Ishmael.  

If God cares so much to hear the cries of little Ishmael, might he also care enough to notice our tears today?  May you provide and find peace through this verse. 

"Cast all your anxiety on him, because He cares for you.”  - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)