God Comforts his Children

The holiday season is upon us, and it is truly a time for Comfort and Joy.

Last Wednesday in church, we sang a hymn that started with “Like as a mother, God comforteth His children:” and I thought that would be a good subject for a blog. Comfort. It is something that we all need.  I know I needed a lot of it in my young adult years, but unfortunately didn’t get much. But now I know where comfort comes from. God! Anyone who is expressing God’s qualities can share His comfort with you. If there is no one around, He is always there.

As I was learning about God, I began to understand it was up to me to let God in. I found in quiet moments of despair when I let go of what was causing my distress, and got calm, I could feel the warmth of his loving arms enfold and comfort me.

While struggling to overcome all the abuse issues I grew up with, I discovered I had done my daughter an injustice. Fearful that I would be abusive, I did not discipline her. By the time she was five, she was self-centered, demanding, and a difficult child to deal with. Although I loved her, I did not much like her behavior. I knew I had to do something about it. So, I embarked on a five-year battle to turn around what I had done. She did not understand that when I said NO, that I now meant it, and that was a real problem.

We both needed comfort in a big way. To my surprise, the Love of God came to each of us through the other one. We were comforting and supporting each other while the war when on. Many tears and hugs followed each battle. It turned out to be a loving war. Without God’s help, I would not have succeeded. He stopped me before I went too far and encouraged me when I didn’t go far enough. Without his still small voice to guide me, I could have made a bad situation worse.

Many Bible verses comforted me when I became frustrated and kept me calm. God gave me hope and courage, which gave me the strength to continue. In the end, because of God’s comfort, our home became peaceful and joyful. My daughter grew into a nice young woman whom I like and love dearly.

My love for my daughter was so strong and more important than anything else. One year I sold my piano, so she could have Christmas. Loving parents will sacrifice anything for their children. It saddens me that there are so many children that don’t know that love. I didn’t as a child and made sure my daughter, above all else felt comfort and love.

The 23 Psalms is the most beautiful prayer of comfort. It covers everything you need to live by.

The Lord is my shepherd; (relationship) I shall not want. (supply) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: (Rest) he leadeth me beside the still waters. (refreshment) He restoreth my soul: (healing) he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness (guidance) for his name’s sake. (Purpose) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (testing) I will fear no evil: (protection) for thou art with me; (faithfulness) thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (discipline) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: (Hope) thou anointest my head with oil; (Consecration) my cup runneth over.  (Abundance) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: (Blessing) and I will dwell in the house of the Lord (Security) forever. (Eternity)

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Another comforting quote from the Bible.

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, Behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. Psalms 139:7-10

I am careful during the holidays to take responsibility for my thought and not to take offense at anything and to be patient, understanding, and loving.  These things will bring Comfort and Joy.

There is no spot where God is not.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”  (Rom. 15:4)