Garment of Praise
November 5th started out as any other day. The sun was shining, we had another hurricane on the horizon, and the weatherman said snow was coming in from the west. I went to work and that too was usual, but during the morning we got word that Dr. Lee B. Scheaffer had died. Lee had been my district superintendent, my mentor and my friend. He went into hospice care this week and didn’t last the week. This man who served the Lord his whole life was now gone.
The Bible says God is the one who helps us through difficult times. He repairs broken hearts and liberates people in bondage.He comforts the grieving with “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3)
I needed these words today as I thought about Lee Scheaffer. Lee who always laughed. Lee who always helped new preachers, and Lee who dedicated his life to serving in the Church of Jesus Christ. I was sad when I thought about life without Lee when I should have been happy remembering his life of service. I needed to remember that God had a special place for Lee, and he had finally arrived there. I needed to hear the words of Isaiah – “the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
It isn’t that God wants to cheer us up when we have problems. It’s that He Himself is our hope during trials. Even if we have to wait for heaven to find ultimate relief, God is present with us, encouraging us and often giving us glimpses of Himself. In our journey through life, may we all have mentors like Lee and may we all give God praise because He has prepared a place for each of us. May we thank God for sending us Jesus who calls us all to be servants and disciples. May we come to understand St. Augustine’s words: “In my deepest wound I saw your glory, and it dazzled me.”
Prayer – Father, give me the faith I need to make it through today, and help me to see You at work in all I face, whether it be joy or mourning. Amen.
Isaiah 61:3 – “A crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Canva
