Everlasting Comfort
'I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content.' Psalm 131:2
Insight
There I was in line at the store (six feet behind the person in front of me) tapping my foot impatiently. What is the holdup? I thought to myself as I waited for the couple checking out. Are they too scared to touch the keypad? Maybe they’re disinfecting their items while still in the store. With each passing tick of the secondhand, I grew in my discontent. Hurry up already! I began to look around for a manager to help speed up the process when the line finally moved.
Truth be told, I didn’t wait for too long, but when you’re ready to move it can feel like forever. When you’re stuck, other feelings can surface such as anxiety, worry, dissatisfaction, and ingratitude. It can be tempting to take matters into your own hands or look around for anything or anyone who might be able to ease the discomfort.
Oftentimes, God allows the discomfort because He wants to create in us a longing for Him where we can find an everlasting comfort. God is calling all of us to look up and seek His presence while in the wait and to trust in His provisions.
The presence of God brings…
Joy (Psalm 16:11)
Rest (Exodus 33:14)
Peace (Psalm 29:11)
Comfort (Psalm 23:4)
Protection (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
We are all waiting in one way or another in this season, and most are feeling discomfort, ready to move on. How do we get through it? How do we hang on? Contentment during periods of waiting can be found by remaining in the presence of God. He is with us in the hard. He is with us in the hurt. He is with us in the heartache. God is with us and will never leave nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
We long for what lies ahead. We want guidance and direction, a map showing how to get from here to there. Our goal is very different from God’s. He’s not concerned with us reaching any finish line. His concern is us reaching for Him. The journey is the goal. This should encourage us all to live at a slower pace, even when we come to a complete halt, because God’s not waiting for us in the future, He is with us in the now. And in His presence, we have all we need.
Reflection
In times of discomfort, we often look for a way out. Do you find this is true for you? Why or why not?
Choose one of the ways you feel God’s presence and look up the verse. Write out the verse in your journal or on a post-it note and meditate on throughout the week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your presence and all it brings. Help us cultivate a quiet and content heart towards You and Your goodness. May we long for You more than anything else, for in You we have everything we could ever need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Port City Care Coordinator Mandy Hughes wrote today’s devotional.
