“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’ But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.” (Matthew 9:20-22)

There is a folder on my Pinterest account, “The Calm Home.” Lately I have been pinning so many hymns. I have been increasingly grateful for my parents making church a priority for our family. It was there that I learned hymns and so much more. As I have looked at each one, the tune comes quickly to mind and I envision being back in those precious sanctuaries. What I did not know then is that many hymns have incredible testimonies of sorrow and yet, the writer chooses to praise the Lord with his pen despite the pain.

When I read this scripture this morning, the word hem stuck out to me. This dear woman had spent all she had over the twelve years of her illness. She had nothing let in the worlds eyes, but she had faith. She knew who had the power to heal her and she reached out to Him. Just touching the hem of His garment was a great act of faith. We do not reach out to someone we do not trust. Also, notice her posture. The hem is low to the ground and so was she in humility and surrender.

And then it happens, he saw her and said words she had waited to hear for twelve long years. Jesus, the Son of God, called her daughter and told her she was well! Can you even imagine? In faith she reached out and was given a new identity and healing, not just physically but spiritually as well. How could she not live her life from that moment on as a hymn of thanksgiving? Are we any different?

Friend, if you have tried everything and nothing has worked to make you well, will you reach out to Him in faith today? Reach out and take hold of the only One who can make you well. He can wash away your sin and give you real life. You can be a living hymn. This could be your hour.

P.S. Our oldest babysat last night and the kids asked her to sing her favorite hymn to them as they fell asleep. Now that is the making of a calm home.