A brownie, surely that will fix this situation – well maybe it will take two. I really need some comfort today.
Comfort – all need it, but where can we find it? Some seek it in food; others in relationships; others in a visit to a medical professional. However, none of these sources has the comfort that we seek for the hole in our heart. We need comfort which can reach the depths of our soul, and we need it now!
Jesus knew the pain that goes with grief and the need for comfort; consequently, He talked with His disciples about this the night before He died. In John 13-17, Jesus revealed to His close companions the fact of His death and final instructions for their lives. Even with Jesus still in their presence, grief began to grip His disciples. He could not really be leaving – what would they do now? Jesus gave them answers which apply to our lives today.
First of all, He declared He was not leaving them as orphans (John 14:18). Even though the disciples felt they were being deserted with no one to guide them and care for them, Jesus said something which seemed paradoxical to them. He said I am dying, but I am coming to you. How could He be going and coming at the same time?
These men were really confused now!
In John 14:26 and again in John 16:5-6, Jesus explains to the disciples He was leaving, but His going was actually beneficial to them. In His leaving, the Holy Spirit would now come to live in the lives of the believers. Jesus was limited by time and space. If He were in Bethany, He could not be in Jerusalem. He was in a human body, so He took on the limitations of that body. However, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus calls the Comforter or Helper, could dwell in the hearts of all believers everywhere at the same time. Now every believer has the benefit of God dwelling in his or her heart continually. We truly have “God with us.”
As Christian widows, the Holy Spirit can be the comfort we need to face each new day. Our hearts hurt and need healing; we are lonely and seek a friend; we are looking for comfort and counsel. The source of all of these can be found in the Holy Spirit in our lives. Truly, He can mend our hearts, be our friend, and comfort our souls.
Some times a little comfort food is good, connections with others are important, and medical professionals are beneficial, but the only real healing for our heart will come as God the Holy Spirit mends our brokenness and regenerates our life according to His purposes. So I guess I need to turn off the oven and close the refrigerator door. I’ll never find my comfort there; I’ll only find it in the presence of my God.
Comfort – all need it, but where can we find it? Some seek it in food; others in relationships; others in a visit to a medical professional. However, none of these sources has the comfort that we seek for the hole in our heart. We need comfort which can reach the depths of our soul, and we need it now!
Jesus knew the pain that goes with grief and the need for comfort; consequently, He talked with His disciples about this the night before He died. In John 13-17, Jesus revealed to His close companions the fact of His death and final instructions for their lives. Even with Jesus still in their presence, grief began to grip His disciples. He could not really be leaving – what would they do now? Jesus gave them answers which apply to our lives today.
First of all, He declared He was not leaving them as orphans (John 14:18). Even though the disciples felt they were being deserted with no one to guide them and care for them, Jesus said something which seemed paradoxical to them. He said I am dying, but I am coming to you. How could He be going and coming at the same time?
These men were really confused now!
In John 14:26 and again in John 16:5-6, Jesus explains to the disciples He was leaving, but His going was actually beneficial to them. In His leaving, the Holy Spirit would now come to live in the lives of the believers. Jesus was limited by time and space. If He were in Bethany, He could not be in Jerusalem. He was in a human body, so He took on the limitations of that body. However, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus calls the Comforter or Helper, could dwell in the hearts of all believers everywhere at the same time. Now every believer has the benefit of God dwelling in his or her heart continually. We truly have “God with us.”
As Christian widows, the Holy Spirit can be the comfort we need to face each new day. Our hearts hurt and need healing; we are lonely and seek a friend; we are looking for comfort and counsel. The source of all of these can be found in the Holy Spirit in our lives. Truly, He can mend our hearts, be our friend, and comfort our souls.
Some times a little comfort food is good, connections with others are important, and medical professionals are beneficial, but the only real healing for our heart will come as God the Holy Spirit mends our brokenness and regenerates our life according to His purposes. So I guess I need to turn off the oven and close the refrigerator door. I’ll never find my comfort there; I’ll only find it in the presence of my God.
