Finding Comfort

In January, I wrote a blog on picking a word of the year. Comfort was my word of the year that I chose. I am finding it ironic right now that this is my word, because you could say I am feeling more uncomfortable than comfortable these days. Am I comfortable wearing my pajamas everyday? For sure. Who doesn't love wearing "comfy" pants everyday?  I have reached the point where I wear my pajamas all day, and pose the question, must I change my pajamas before going back to bed? Probably suggested, but no one will know. I accept it. Even though I might be comfortable physically in my pajamas, I am uncomfortable inwardly. We are in a weird place historically. Something as simple as going to the grocery store has now become uncomfortable. Normal daily interactions and activities now make me feel uncomfortable. Having the thoughts, is going to Kroger safe? Am I doing enough to stay safe and healthy? What if things never go back to normal? Even asking these questions make me feel anxious and a little uncomfortable. Personally, these past few weeks have felt like an emotional roller coaster. I have felt saddened for school and church closing its doors. I have been anxious and nervous about the future. There have been times where I have been so anxious my chest feels like one giant knot that will never unravel. I have also been thankful for warmer weather and moments of rest to read a book. But I would say worrying and anxiety have been the most constant emotion I have felt. One thing I would like you to know, is we are not alone in this.

Paul, the apostle, tells us in 2 Corinthians that while he experienced troubles in Asia, far beyond their ability to endure, despairing life itself that God is a God of comfort. Paul states, "Praise be to the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is our comfort and salvation; if we are comforted it is your comfort which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Paul knew this despair happened to him so that they wouldn't rely on themselves, but on God. So often we try to put things into our own hands and control every aspect of our lives. But God is in control over all things. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Nothing can happen outside of Gods will, which should be a huge comfort to us. Nothing surprises God, and God never changes. Going through hardships and sufferings is not new to us, or to the world. It is so easy to sit in our own worried and anxious thoughts but Jesus shared in our pains, and the sorrows and frustrations we feel (Hebrews 4:15). He joins with us in our sufferings, and even more encouraging, he also offers us comfort. At times we may have difficulty feeling Christ's comfort, I know I can. In Mathew 5:4, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted" and Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".

Dictionary.com lists eleven different definitions of the word comfort. If I were to paraphrase these definitions, I would define comfort this way. Comfort: relief in affliction, consolation, reassure and bring cheer to. David said in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me". God will give you relief in your affliction, reassure, and bring you joy and peace. The world we live in is full of evil and is a fallen world, but we have a Savior who gives us comfort and hope. We can submit our prayers to Christ, and he will take our burdens from us. We weren't meant to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, but Jesus tells us to cast our cares and anxieties onto him. Now is a time more than ever to pray. Pray for comfort, peace, and to take away our worries. Read scripture and let God speak to you through his infallible word. Find truth in the God of all comfort and don't allow the news and the world to control the thoughts in your mind. Jesus brings hope to believers, this suffering is temporary. As previously mentioned in 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote that as we comfort one another, "our comfort abounds through Christ". Christians may go through tough times. Maybe you recently lost your job, someone in your family is sick, or you miss seeing friends and family. We don't have to go through this alone. Reach out to others. Take this opportunity to call family and friends you haven't talked to in a while. Send personal cards in the mail to encourage one another. Take comfort in God's word and in the family we share as believers. Instead of relying on yourself, take Paul's advice and rely on God to get you through. God is a God of comfort, and we also can comfort others in their afflictions. Modern Post lyrics that have been helping me is "My one comfort both in life in death is that I am not my own. I was bought with blood and I confess I belong to you alone. By the Father could decree, Jesus you deliver me. By your Spirit set me free to follow you." Click on the YouTube video to hear the beautiful song. I hope you find comfort during this difficult time.