By Pastor Brandon Young
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 66:13a, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.” In fact, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “The Comforter.” I feel the world today is seeking comfort, but they are looking for it in all the wrong places. True comfort can only be found in Christ alone. Let’s define the word “comfort.” Comfort means a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint; the easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress. I remember as a small child climbing up in my grandmother’s lap especially after taking a tumble. I would be crying and holding whatever part of my body that seemed to be hurt as I climbed into her lap to find comfort. She would hold me close to her, wrapping her arms around me, and she would whisper in my ear, “It’s OK, child. I am here now.” With these few words, it seemed like everything stopped hurting. My sole attention was on being safe and sound in the arms of my grandma. My grandmother was unable to stop me from falling or getting the dreaded boo-boo, but once it happened, she was always there to make me feel better. Soon after my fall, I was sitting on the porch swing beside my grandma with an orange dreamsicle covering my face. Oftentimes, even though God can prevent hurtful things from happening, he allows us to struggle and hurt hoping that we will come to him for comfort. We learn from our mistakes and we grow as a person while finding our comfort in Him. He is always there! He will never leave nor forsake us!
Those without a relationship with Jesus seek comfort from a variety of sources. This world can be tough most days, and we take many tumbles down the stairs of life. Problems seem to come from all directions, and we all struggle mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually. These everyday issues leads folks to drugs, sex, alcohol, entertainment, and fortune trying to finding comfort for their aching soul, but none of these items can bring comfort and peace. I have often arrived home from a hard day of work, and I sought comfort in my recliner. I wanted to put my aching legs and feet up, and get my mind off all the troubles I encountered throughout the day. As I waited for the comfort to come, I squirmed in my seat hoping to find that one position that eased the throbbing in my feet and legs. I flipped through the channels hoping that the perfect TV show would occupy my mind. Honestly, many times that comfort never came no matter how many positions I tried, or how any channels I changed. This is exactly how it feels to try to find comfort in the things of this world. No matter how many times you try, they will never bring comfort. There is still an aching and throbbing inside that only Jesus can relieve. Let’s look at some Bible verses that address real comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Isaiah 51:12, “I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you.” It is obvious from these few verses true comfort and rest only comes from the Lord. He wants to take each of us into his lap and hold us tightly as he whispers sweet peace to our souls. We can never become too big that we stop climbing into the arms of God. Jesus wanted to bless the little children and hold them in his arms, and today he desires the same. Jesus looked out over Jerusalem and lamented because he wanted to pull Jerusalem in to him and a mother hen does her chicks, but they did not want it.
We must understand that God will never force his comfort and peace upon any of us. We must come seeking just as I went running, crying, and screaming to my grandma. If you are struggling today and you have taken a spiritual fall, and it seems everything around you is crumbling, please run to Jesus, and find real comfort in his arms. A little girl came home from a neighbor’s house where her best friend had died. “Why did you go?” questioned her father. “To comfort her mother,” said the child. “What could you do to comfort her?” “I climbed into her lap and cried with her.” It is time we climb into the lap of God and just have a good cry. We don’t have to hold back, or have it all together. God knows we are but dust and fragile at best! Run to Jesus today. He will pick you up into His arms and comfort you as his dear child!
(The Solution Column is provided by Pastor Brandon Young of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, Hampton, and his associate, Hunter Greene.)