The mother of a very dear friend of mine died this past summer. My friend is a very strong woman, and she has a hard time showing her true feelings. I have seen her lose a beloved sibling, as well as many dear friends, and I have always been amazed at how she is able to keep her emotions under control. But only a short time after losing her mother, her father passed away. When I saw her recently, she tried to sound brave, but she couldn't hold back her tears. I saw a look in her eyes that said, "I am an orphan now." Until I lost both of my own parents, I never realized how painful that realization can be - at ANY age.

Scripture has a lot to say about this subject because our God is a compassionate God, and He cares very deeply about our pain. Jesus said, "I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you." (John 14:18 AMP) Do you think that the same Jesus who died for us is going to leave us comfortless and helpless when we suffer a loss? No way. He says, "And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20 KJV)

When I became an orphan myself, one of the promises of God that comforted me most was Psalm 27:10 (NKJV): "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me." I loved my parents with all of my heart, but they were never able to "take care of me" the way that Almighty God has all these years. Why? Because as Jesus said, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God." (Luke 18:27 AMP) One consolation I've experienced from losing my parents is that God Himself has become responsible for my needs more than ever before, especially since I have learned to rely on Him more. And I have seen Him move heaven and earth to provide for me.

If you are a follower of Christ, then you never have to fear being an orphan. And if that day should come for you, remember the Lord's precious promise from His Word - "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." (Isaiah 66:13 NIV)

Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful that You always do exactly what You say, and You always carry out and fulfill all of Your promises, no matter how many of them there are. (2 Corinthians 1:20 TLB) Help me to always rely on You and Your faithfulness to Your Word whenever I need care or consolation. Thank You that as I look to You in times of trouble and pain, I will experience the peace, provision, comfort, and healing that can only come from You!