Joy and Sorrow Met Together

By Jan Ross

"Lo, children are an
heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the
womb is his reward."
Psalm 127:3

anuary is Sanctity of Life month bringing both joy and sorrow as we think about the times in which we live.

The holiness of God's gift of life is held in high regard among believers, for we believe that He alone is the Creator of life. Such incredible joy is found in the softness of a newborn infant's cheek, the wisp of a shining curl at his temple, the pearly opalescence of his tiny fingernails, and the slow-motion movements of his sparkling lips as they impress people with the miracle of life.

We are drawn to an inner sanctum and once there, understand that God is in His heaven and also in our world. The value of each human life is measureless. We celebrate life with baby showers, birthday parties, and bouquets of black balloons when we hit middle age. If we believe that God is the Creator of life, then how can we decide that we are its terminators?

The times in which we live bring much sorrow as we realize that these tiny, innocent lives seem to be expendable, most times in exchange for reasons spanning the scale from embarrassment to simple inconvenience.

However, it appears that mankind isn't satisfied with the ability to legally terminate innocent lives within the womb, the elderly and handicapped seem to be increasingly the target of such disregard for human life.

What can we do?

First and most importantly we can pray . . . we MUST pray.

Pray that people everywhere would rise up with boldness and put an end to this unconscionable slaughter.

Pray that legislators would be bold enough to vote their conscience rather than their political persuasion.

Pray that mothers everywhere would have the courage to give their children life.

Pray that fathers would cherish the life they helped to create by refusing to consider the abortionary as a quick fix to a complicated situation.

Pray that the shedding of innocent blood would be regarded as abominable rather than politically correct and acceptable.

Pray for parents as they teach their sons and daughters to be responsible for their actions.

Pray for all these tiny lives, that they would find the womb to be a holy and protected sanctuary rather than an at-risk environment depending on the decisions made by their parents.

Pray that those whose lives have been touched by abortion would find forgiveness, healing, and the love of God—the only road to true inner healing.

Pray that the Body of Christ would refrain from being judgmental toward anyone who has made a wrong decision and that they would rather reach out and embrace the grieving and broken parents with the love and compassion of Christ. The list is endless . . . but prayer is the most powerful resource we have!

The second most powerful tool placed in our hands is to love with the unconditional and complete love the Father has given us by way of example. With these tools working hand-in-hand, we become a powerful force second to none!

Life . . . not by choice but by God's design, for His glory, and according to His divine plan!

Father, today we are reminded just how far this generation has gone to bring disgrace to the most holy gift of life. Lord, forgive us for the shedding of innocent blood, for our part either by commission or omission. Lord, help us each and every one to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Give us an abundance of love and compassion to those whose lives are ravaged by the affects of abortion. Show us how to be Your arm outstretched to them and use us to apply the healing balm that flows from Your throne to all who are in need.

Father, open our eyes as a generation of people who regard our own wants and needs more than those of the most innocent, Lord, and teach us to recognize You as the Creator and Author of life.

Father, use each one of us to make a difference, individually and corporately, that You would be glorified in us and through us. In Jesus' precious name, Amen!

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;
and before thou camest forth out of the womb
I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee
a prophet unto the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5