I have friends that have experienced a loss recently and are going through a season of deep, deep pain. All I want to do is to be able to comfort them and know that they will have the strength to go on, but my heart just breaks and I don’t know what to say to them. So in the midst of my state of helplessness, I’ve been just praying, asking the Lord to “comfort and strengthen them”.
But what does that mean? What am I asking for when I ask God to bring that to them? What does it mean to be “comforted”?
Dictionary.com defines comfort:
1. to soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to
2. to make physically comfortable
3. to aid; support or encourage
The first definition is something that my daughter would want from me when she falls and scrapes her knee, not what one would want in immense heartache.
It just doesn’t seem enough.
What does God offers when He describes Himself as Comforter?
He offers safety and protection, especially from evil. David write about it in the classic Psalm 27. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
He gives direction and clarity in purpose in a time of confusion – the kind that dispels all domineering doubt and disappointment. It bring the peace that is beyond understanding, because in this moment you can’t comprehend “why”.
It brings rest – to your mind, your spirit, and your body. He can handle our heaviest burdens, weariest of souls. We don’t have to carry it on our own.
In Him is hope for restoration, the faith that you will once again find the joy, that whatever was broken will be mended, and that you will rise again.
Best of all, He promises to be near. He promises that He will be the all that you need. the Rock of Refuge to hold you firm through the storm. He promises Himself. And He cares.
How long it will take to see the light at the end of this tunnel of pain and grief – I don’t know. My heart breaks, but I personally have not gone through anything like what my friends are going through.
So again, I ask the Comforter to do what He is so great at doing, to bring the comfort that only He can bring.
one day at a time... 