Care And Comfort

No doubt we live in distressing times. The media tells us of wars and famines and horrific events. Leaders and politicians turn divisive and mean spirited. They promise change but it's just all talk.

Some of us work in a stressful environment. Our families are in a crisis and our marriages are tattered and frayed. When we try to read God's word and pray we feel empty and dry. We are too tired to even turn a page! Rather than falling into His peace we are just falling to pieces.

And that is why we need to call out to God for the Holy Spirit to comfort us. To the extent we trust Him for relief is to the measure we rest confidently on His promises. The Lord showed His care for the disciples by saying, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" (John 14:16). Since the Holy Spirit dwells in us we have access to the Comforter whenever we find ourselves in pain and discomfort.

Beloved, we have to believe God cares for us as an individual and cares about the pressing issues we face. He cares about the unpaid bills and sick child. He cares that where we work fills us with dread and worry. He will make provision for these needs as He determines.

All He desires is we simply ask Him for more of Him.

Often in distressful times a particular pattern of how we try to fix things emerges but it only make matters worse. When we stop long enough to ask the Comforter to calm a racing heart and troubled mind - God steps in and commands order and peace. Yes, order and peace when things are shattered and seemingly irreparable.

Let's learn to lean back as the beloved disciple did on Jesus' chest to hear His heartbeat. It will steady our own hearts to know all is well. God is with me. He loves me. I'm cared and comforted by His Spirit. No matter my condition or state He is for me and not against me.

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)