You never know when you’ll need the Lord’s comfort the most—-when God’s care will be your only hope to face tomorrow.
One day in 1932, pianist, singer and songwriter Thomas A. Dorsey discovered his need for God’s comfort. He left his pregnant wife, Nettie, at home in Chicago while he drove his Model A to St. Louis to sing at a revival meeting. All went well and the crowd responded enthusiastically. At the end of Dorsey’s performance, he received a telegram with the tragic news that his wife had died in childbirth. Within hours, the baby boy also died.
Filled with grief, Dorsy sought answers. Should he have stayed at home and not gone to St. Louis? A few days after Nettie’s death, Dorsey sat down at the piano and began to play. Finally sensing God’s peace and closeness, he began to sing some new words and play a new song:
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand;
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light;
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
Is there a problem too big for you to handle alone? Or a grief too great to bear? put your hand in the Lord’s.
On Saturday I was watching the news and I sat and cried. I was watching the coverage of Captain Sir Tom’s funeral. I didn’t know this elderly gentleman, apart from what was in the media, but I found it very poignant that inside, attending his funeral was his immediate family and outside many millions were watching. Firstly he was a much loved family man.
My son, Richard sent me a photo of Sir Tom with a quote from him and suggested that I use it this week.
“So even if tomorrow is my last day, if all those I loved are waiting for me then that tomorrow will be a good day too.”
What wonderful comforting words for his family, just as our Lord provides comfort for us too.