Comfort

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.             2 Cor 1:3-4

When I returned to Bowie following my separation, I told my sons that they would have to find other moms to drive them to Boys and Girls Club practices, because, now that I was working full-time again, I wouldn’t be able to do it.  However, I told them, they should have no problem because I would be able to bring the kids home from practice each evening.  The moms could take turns bringing them to practice, but I would bring them home each night, freeing the other moms at supper preparation time.  Well, the moms loved it and it worked out fine.  However, what also happened was that I also took the kids to their games every Saturday and was usually the only parent in the group to watch them play.  So, when their kids got hurt on the field, I was the one to comfort them.  Those times weren’t frequent, but they weren’t infrequent either.  I got to know those boys quite well and we became closer than we would have otherwise.

 As my son Alex was entering high school, we were at a football game, when he got hit sideways and went down.  When he didn’t jump back up, I sent Josh to see if I needed to be down there on the field, or if I would be an embarrassment down there.  Josh trotted down and quickly signaled me to come.  I got Alex off the field and to a doctor.  But what he really needed from me then was comfort.   He had hoped to play football for his high school, and it was quickly obvious that it wasn’t to be.  His inner-being was hurting worse than his knee.

When we’re hurting, when we feel overwhelmed, when fears and worries assail us, we all need comfort.  Why, I wonder, do we wait so long to bring our cares to the greatest comforter of all?  Why do we doubt him so?  Why do we wallow, spin our wheels, dredge up all the what-ifs?  Why don’t we just go to God first?

As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you;              Is. 66:13

When we say the 23^rd Psalm, we say the line “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. “  Well, the rod and staff were used to keep the sheep from straying, from getting themselves in trouble, or to rescue them when in trouble.  The security that they offer is what gives comfort, even as they inhibit free action.  But God is there for us, even when we wrestle with Him, as He tries to move us in the right direction.  And we can take comfort in knowing He’ll always do what’s best for us, and will always be there to offer us comfort and help when we need it.

Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope, this is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.           Ps 119:49-50

 While going through my separation and divorce, I found comfort in a Chuck Girard song “Lay Your Burdens Down,” the chorus of which said “lay your burdens down; lay your burdens down; take you burdens to the foot of the cross, and lay your burdens down.”  I would picture myself doing just that, but for some strange reason, I tended to picture them gift-wrapped.  I never understood why, but I consistently laid down gift-wrapped burdens.  In thinking about it now, I think that it wasn’t the burdens that were gifts, it was my act of turning them over to God, as He has said we should — that was the gift.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.       Ps. 68:19

 When life comes hard, turn to God.  Claim His promises to us.  Take comfort in knowing He’s there for you.  But also remember, that we, too, are to be there to comfort others, just as we’ve been comforted.

“Comfort, yes comfort My people,“ says your God            Is. 40:1

Prayer:  Abba, Father, thank you for always being there when needed.  Thank you for the peace and comfort you offer when things are hard to bear.  Help me take the comfort I have been given and share it with others who need a comforting word or touch.

 Emily Montfort