God's Magnificent Comfort

A review of my journal and blog entries reveals how much I've struggled with loneliness and loss. I want to shift gears and focus on the incredible comfort I've received in knowing Jesus. This afternoon my friend took her marriage vows. They weren't the traditional vows. They focused on friendship and a love that is based on inspiring the other to greatness. At one point it was mentioned that the other would be a comfort through the tears. I sat in relative awe. Does such a person exist? It me thinking of the platitudes I've been told when my mom died. Some suggested my mother's loss would yield the opportunity to get closer to my dad. Others told me time and other people would fill the void the loss of my mother caused in my life. None of those words comforted me. In truth, I'm no closer to my father than when my mother died and while my life is "filled" with friends and exciting experiences, none of that has washed away the empty spot at my heart's table.

My dear reader, I don't write these things to discourage you but rather to point out that sometimes the phrases of others are trite. A person can hold your hand but they can never mend your heart. Only the master builder can restore what's been lost. He does so with sweet kindness. He manages to fill the gaps that loved ones leave and soothes the sorrow the sin in this world has caused. He soothes it by revealing Himself to the one who seeks comfort.

This week I read something from Corrie ten Boom's "Reflections of God's Glory" p. 25 that really touched me. She wrote, "I once begged for deliverance, but the Lord said, 'My grace is sufficient for you.' I continue to look to Him and try not to be impatient. I won't be here a moment longer than God thinks necessary. Pray for me that I will be able to wait for His timing. Life here has wonderful proportions; time is here only to be lived through. It amazed me that I have adapted so well. Some things I can never get used to, but in general I am very happy. It is dark, but then the Savior gives His light and that is wonderful." Corrie wrote those words while in solitary confinement. Our lives can feel like that. Portions of our lives are very stagnant and yet Jesus promises "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  The Bible tells us that God is our comforter and He comforts us so we can comfort others. Until recently, I had never experienced the magnificent comfort of God. His comfort warms us more than a fire on cold day and soothes us to the soul level. The rest that we find in Christ isn't hinged on tranquility, rather it is centered on being made whole by Jesus Christ. The ocean of God's comfort astounds me. It's so limitless and allows us to triumph under any circumstances. Do you need comfort? Are you hoping someone will fill the void in your life? If so, come to Jesus and ask Him to comfort you. You won't be disappointed!