Relief at The Dentist Office

This past week my kids were sick, my back and neck hurt, my husband was working extra hours, school was not going well, my house was a mess, and I had to go get a crown put on one of my molars. I'm pretty faithful to go to the dentist and it doesn't usually bother me. But I've had a crown put on before and my tooth hurt for a solid week afterward. It was not fun.

The day before the dentist appointment, I had a melt down. I felt melancholy and blue. Sure, my circumstances were not what I'd really like, but they weren't that awful. Others suffer much more than loneliness, laundry and dentist chairs. But I was full of tears instead of hope.

Before I left, I put "The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God" in my purse. It is one of the books that I bought from Desiring God back in June when they had their $5 sale. I don't really know why I bought it. But God used it at the dentist office to draw me to Him. I almost cried as I read it. It is a beautiful poem on the sovereignty and goodness of God in the midst of suffering. John Pipers words echoed my heart in the misery I felt that day. But more importantly, they gently reminded me that God not only knows about my suffering, but orchestrates the events in my life to help me know Him more. He is sovereign and He is sweet.

"He is not poor nor much enticed

Who loses everything but Christ.

It won't be long before the rod

Becomes the tender kiss of God."

I left the dentist office in more physical pain, but much lighter in my spirit. The tears were gone. They were replaced with renewed hope in God who showed His mercy to Job and who is showing His mercy to me.