Tethered to the Lord – January 27, 2002
The scriptures tell us that because the Lord suffered, He’s able to comfort us when we are suffering.1 He knows our pain and sorrow because He experienced and overcame pain and sorrow Himself. He loves us, and He can soothe our suffering.2
In the Old Testament one of the words translated as hope literally means “a cord” or a rope or tether.3 When we tether ourselves to someone or something, we expect the same destiny as the person or thing we are tied to. When we tether ourselves to God through faith, we can trust Him to sustain us in our times of trial.
A young mother, who had recently been widowed, felt totally overwhelmed. Financial problems multiplied. Working and caring for two young children by herself seemed impossible. Decisions needed to be made that would have lasting effects, and yet she couldn’t decide what to do. In the depths of despair, she drove to the mountains and began to hike, hoping to find comfort in nature. But comfort wouldn’t come. Finally, eyes too full of tears to walk on, she found a shady spot and rested in the midst of God’s creations. Suddenly within herself she felt an affirming truth: “God created me too. And therefore, He will help me.” Her tether to the Lord gave her the strength to endure, and to eventually find happiness again.
In times of trial we can be comforted by remembering that we are tethered to a loving Heavenly Father. He created us. He loves us. He will comfort and sustain us. That is our promise from Him.4
Program #3780
1. See 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Alma 7:12.
2. See Psalm 147:3; John 3:16.
3. See James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (New York: Abingdon Press, 1894), “hope” 491; “tiqzâh [8615],” 126.
4. See John 14:18.