Yesterday I visited an 86-year old member in our church named Bob who is dying of multiple infections and has been put on hospice. He’s currently at a skilled nursing facility in the low desert. It’s actually a home right in a neighborhood but it has been converted into a nursing home.

The facility is very nice. When I arrived at the front door, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I rang the doorbell and a nurse came out to greet me. He said due to COVID, he couldn’t let me in, but he walked me around the building to the backyard, where I was not only able to see Bob, but talk with him. His door was slid open and his bed was positioned inside near the doorway so I could see him clearly and speak to him easily.

God was so gracious. Bob’s son was already there when I arrived. I was able to talk with him for several minutes, then turn toward Bob to talk to him. He wasn’t responsive, but I always treat a hospitalized member as though they can hear and understand me, even if they can’t respond.

“Bob,” I said. “This is your pastor from the Baptist church. I just want to let you know God loves you and we love you. We’re praying for you. God is going to take you home in his perfect time. I’m here with your son and we’re going to pray for you now.”

Times like this are always hard, and we’re never quite sure what to say. But we seek to show the love of God, speak the promises of Scripture, and pray for God’s Spirit to comfort his people.

“I will say to the LORD, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O LORD! how long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love” (Ps. 90:12-14a).