Jessica moved the rolling pin back and forth over the graham crackers in the bag, crushing them to pieces. The neighbors had asked her to bring her famous toffee and fudge bars to the picnic, and the graham cracker base was the first step. She rolled the pin, grinding them into fine crumbs. She could relate. Lately she felt like life was crushing her, just like these crackers. Would she ever feel normal again? Ever since she lost the baby, grief engulfed her. Honestly, the last thing she wanted to do today was go to a picnic where everyone was smiling and happy. She and Jack hadn’t even really talked about it. Today was the first day he wasn’t working a double shift since she got home from urgent care. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be too tired to talk when he got home.

She grabbed the melted butter from the microwave and mixed it with the crumbs, and then pressed them into the pan, forming the crust. She stirred the fudge, broke up the toffee pieces, and assembled the layers. By the time she popped the pan into the oven, she was in a full-blown funk. Sure, the doctor had warned her that her hormones would be out of whack, and that was probably part of it, but her arms ached to hold her baby. The baby that would never be born. Why did God allow it to happen? Didn’t she deserve to be a mom? Life was crushing her spirit. She flopped onto one of the kitchen chairs and buried her face in her hands, forcing her breathing to slow to normal. She would not be a weepy mess when Jack got home. That was the last thing he needed.

She raised her head and her eye caught on the daily verse calendar Jack had given her for Christmas. She’d forgotten to tear off the page for today. When she pulled off the page and read today’s verse, she let out a gasp.

 “Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

God’s love warmed her like a blanket fresh out of the dryer. He knew exactly what she needed today. How long ago was that calendar printed? God orchestrated everything to speak to her from His word at this very moment. She hadn’t read the Bible all week. It was time.

She settled on the living room sofa and turned to Psalm 34. She wanted to read the whole Psalm. David had been through so many trials. He was in danger of losing his life when he wrote that Psalm. Knowing “a man after God’s own heart” had to deal with terrible trials was such a comfort. A memory stirred. David lost a baby as well. He also lost at least two of his sons when they were older. He understood her pain. And he wrote such things as “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” And “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

As she finished studying through the Psalm, the beep of the oven told her the cookies were ready. She eased herself from the sofa and donned oven mitts. Sliding the pan from the oven, she inhaled the chocolaty sweetness. The front door opened just as she switched off the oven.

“You’re home early,” Jessica called.

Jack strode into the kitchen. “Something smells amazing in here.” He wrapped his arms around Jessica’s waist. “I love those chocolate bars. But I love you more.”

Jessica settled against Jack’s chest. “I love you too.” She turned and faced him. “I’m glad you’re home.”

Concern colored Jack’s eyes. “I’m sorry I was gone so much this week. How are you feeling?”

Jessica shrugged. “Physically, a little tired, but otherwise OK.”

Jack led her out of the kitchen and sat next to her on the sofa. “And mentally?”

Jessica frowned. “Mentally, it’s been hard. I really want to be a mother.”

Jack squeezed her hand. “I know. It may not seem like it to you, but I’m really sad about it too. I have dreams of throwing a ball to my son in the yard one day. And I know you’ll be an amazing mom. All the kids will want to be friends with our kids so they can eat your baking.”

For the first time all week, Jessica smiled. Yes, she still grieved her loss, and would continue to ache for a baby, but with Jack and the Lord by her side, she was no longer alone.

She leaned over and kissed Jack. “I think I’d like to go to a picnic today after all.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

God, sometimes we feel like life is crushing us. At those times, please help us remember to turn to You. You’ve given us countless examples in Your word of people who have been in difficult situations. We can read how You never let them down. And you never let us down, either, no matter how things might look. Thank You for being the one thing in this world we can always count on. Thank you for your endless love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.