Comfort

Through our hardships it is hard to see light in anything or to find comfort in anything. Sometimes we just feel like there is no hope or comfort offered to us in our times of gloom. So many things that occur in our lives make us forget that there is always comfort in God; even heartache when a relationship doesn't work. When anything in life causes us pain no matter what it is: health, mental anguish, grief, heartache we aren't able to see the comfort and joy found within God. Sometimes it's as if God isn't there.

I cannot say how many times I cried at night wondering if God was there comforting me through the cancer. There were moments when it felt like he wasn't there at all, though looking back I know that wasn't true. I was in so much pain not just physical from all the shots, but emotionally. Having cancer disrupts everything in your life: mind. It takes away so much including that hope and comfort we find in Jesus. When a relationship doesn't work we are heartbroken, who wouldn't be? We don't feel like we could be comforted even when so many people around are being supportive and comforting.

The Bible tells us "The Lord will comfort Israel again...joy and gladness will be found there. Lovely songs of thanksgiving will fill the air" (Isaiah 51:3). God gives us all the comfort we need even if we don't feel it, we have his comfort there waiting for us. He's ready for us to climb into his arms and cry if need be. His arms are open wide waiting to embrace us and calm our worries, fears, and pains. "Joy and gladness will be found there." Joy and gladness will be found with God, that is one of the promises we have from God, and he doesn't back down from a promise! Why don't we just climb into his arms the way we did with momma when we were little? Why don't we run crying to God for comfort as a child would? Shouldn't we be like children? Sometimes it's hard to think that we can curl up on God's lap when he isn't tangible like mommy is.

Comfort and joy are found in the Lord. We should turn to him always even when it doesn't feel like he's there. We should still call on his name, praise his power and glory. You'd be surprised at how much comfort you find there.

Death

Death is a funny thing. Even though it is inevitable, we still never expect it. Even when someone is sick, we aren't prepared to lose them. Death comes in different ways like an illness, suicide, murder or just simply naturally. No matter the circumstances, it is always hard to handle the death of someone we care about even someone we know through passing.

Psalm 23 is notorious for being read at funerals. Verse 4 tells us: Even when I walk through the valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. We always seem to be afraid of death and the unknown aspects of death. We want to know what happens to someone when they die, though that is another thing that remains a mystery to us. But we need to remember is that God is there protecting and comforting not only us but the ones we have lost.

Even if we meet a person for only a moment in time, you never know the impact you may have had. Everything is life including death is a part of God's plan. God is there protecting us and comforting us throughout life, he continues to do so through death whether it be our own or the death of a loved one. He is our protector and comforter, He'll be there when we need him the most.