That Which Toucheth You

Michael E. Wood

December 30, 2013

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:29-31

For the holidays the city had given Dianna six days off, so she decided to take an additional four days which would give her two full weeks before returning to work. This would allow her to come with me to the various facilities of which the Lord has opened opportunities for ministering the Word and allow her to help finish a number of projects that have been on the back burner for some time.

Shortly into this time she developed severe back pains. By doing a little research she determined that it was sciatica. Providentially she had also decided to go on a new diet, of which during her research found to be helpful for treatment for the sciatic condition. Her pain subsided over the course of the two weeks, but she felt discouraged over not being able to do all the things she had planned.

In many ways I felt helpless to be much comfort and sometimes selfish for my own perceived loses during this time and yet these are the thoughts which came to mind to bring some level of comfort to my beloved wife.

Upon reading this to her, I said, “You can always tell when I have been hanging out with the Puritans by the way I write can’t you?”

Perhaps thy God will come

And take the burden from thy breast

Or stoke the fires, refining faith

Like gold to stand the test

To prove by His own presence

He indeed knew what was best

To make thee like Himself in

Thine own heart’s true treasure chest.

For that which trills the soul

Amidst a bitter providence

Is the sweetness God brings forth

To show His love and faithfulness

In all He has appointed

To produce the fruit remaining

When the winter turns to spring

And we with Him rejoice in gleaning

From the benefits received

Which He alone could e’er produce

Through this trial He brought us through

To make us meet for His own use.

For you see now that which toucheth you

Now also toucheth me.

So together let us bold approach

God’s only mercy tree.

Which provideth all the healing

For the nations from its leaves

And has given us true shelter

By His righteousness which cleaves

To each soul of which He’s humbled

By His grace to thus proclaim

He alone is God eternal

And His glory is our aim!