From Depths of Woe: Learning the Goodness of God

“Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’ “

-It is Well with My Soul

Miscarriage. An ugly word for an even uglier reality. A reality that my husband and I are all too familiar with. These past six months have been the most trying in our lives, losing babies, being a great distance from dear family and friends, adjusting to a new life in an unknown place. The weight of our burden, at times, seems as if it is too much to carry any longer. And in the midst of our loneliest days and darkest nights, the Lord has shown us His goodness. Yes, I said it, His goodness.  

I read, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” Psalm 84:11. There it was, the Truth before my very eyes  “…no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

“But, Lord, we long for children, we have searched our hearts, we have sought You, we have examined our lives and our motives and we believe they are good.” And they may well be, but I am reminded that just because my desires are good, it does not entitle me to them. A good example from a dear friend was that of David, and his desire to build the temple. However, it was not for him to build it, but for him to raise his son to do so (1 Chronicles 22). I am not guaranteed, in this life, to make it to the other side of miscarriage. I am not promised physical children. However, I am promised that He will withhold no good thing, so long as I “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the Gospel which [I] heard…”(Colossians 1:23). Thus, were it good (for our sanctification and for His glory) for us to have children now, we would have them. When His good is different than mine, His is always better because He is truly good. My idea of good is tainted by a broken world and a fallen humanity. Who knows good better than the One Who is Himself, good.

A sweet friend reminded me recently of the truth found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, that we do not grieve as those who have no hope, but we, who are His, rejoice in the hope we have of eternity with Him. Eternity where every tear will be wiped away; a life free of pain, miscarriages, loss, sin, and death. This affliction is “light and momentary” and the glory is what’s eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17). We rejoice that our citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and this grieving causes us to groan for our Savior’s return and the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). We are not guaranteed a life of ease, free from pain and suffering, but for those of us who are found in Christ we are guaranteed this: “In Him [Jesus] also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14, emphasis mine) Rejoice!

And, I must not miss the first part of this blessed Truth, “…the Lord gives grace and glory…” He gives His children grace to sustain us in this life so that we may partake in His glory in the life to come. He is light [sun] by which we see and faith [shield] by which we walk. We have hope in this: the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Messiah. This alone is reason to sing and rejoice, even in the depths of despair. Believers, fix your eyes on Christ , rejoice and sing in the hope you have found in Him. Unbelievers, repent, look unto Christ, and find a reason to rejoice and sing in Him. He, alone, is my hope and my joy. He is good. Rejoice!

We are thankful for the dear brothers and sisters who are bearing this burden with us, laboring for us in prayer, and encouraging us in truth. Thank you for not letting us forget truth and for, “stirring us up by way of reminder” (2 Peter 1:13).

“Though great our sins and sore our woes

His grace much more aboundeth;

His helping love no limit knows,

Our upmost need it soundeth.

Our Shepherd good and true is He,

Who will at last His Israel free

From all their sin and sorrow”

-From Depths of Woe

Nathan and I want not your pity nor your praise, but only for you to see the goodness of our God and King and the glory of our sweet Savior.

By His grace.

For His glory.

And…again I say, rejoice!