Thoughts by Keith Bly
 
I have been thinking about the mercy and tender kindness of the Lord. At my stage of life, my years ahead are getting less than the years behind me.
 
I became a believer in my teens, for which I am so grateful. The value of the Holy Spirit throughout my lifespan cannot be overstated. I was also so blessed to have a soulmate and best friend, Shelby, who was what I needed. I didn’t realize until after her passing how much I truly needed her or how weak I now feel.
 
There were some very stressful times during our fifty-seven years together; not between us but involving us. It was during those times we had each other for support. But now it is so different without her because I feel weakened.
 
This brings me to the scripture that means so much to me that I want to share with you.
 
Isaiah 42: 2-3 says “He will not shout or cry out, or raise His voice in the streets. A Bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus who also repeated it as recorded in Mt. 12:20 when he healed a man on the Sabbath. It speaks of His merciful tenderness when life hands us great difficulties that threaten to take us down.  
 
 
I am there since Shelby’s homegoing. But I have found the Lord’s tender kindness in unmistakable ways even as I deeply miss her. I feel like that bruised reed and smoking flax about to go out so often. Jesus said He will not leave me or forsake me. How true that continues to be for me, especially on the many days I feel so bruised, feeling like I have hit the wall. He is truly a kind, merciful Savior.
 
Keith Bly