We all desire comfort in our lives. What is the first thing we do when we get home from work or an event? We change into our comfy cloths. Why do we sometimes have difficulty sleeping when we are away from home? We miss the comfort of our own bed. We all want to be comfortable. And not just physically, but emotionally as well. We want to feel safe and comfortable all the time, and we don’t usually like to take risks and put ourselves out there, for fear of becoming uncomfortable. One thing God has been placing on my heart recently as I go through many changes in my life, is that I can’t take comfort in my circumstances. I need to find my comfort in Christ alone.
When we find our comfort in Christ alone, no circumstance can make us uncomfortable. Since Christ is always with us and never changes, the comfort he provides is steadfast. That means that no matter what changes or circumstances we face, we can find comfort. The apostle Paul went through a lot of things in his life. He was severely mistreated, in prison, also shipwrecked multiple times, and so much more that I am sure we don’t even have recorded in scripture. However, he gives this message to the church in Corinth:
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even as we are weighted down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
From a man who had some pretty crazy things happen to him, that is a powerful testimony to the comfort we can find in Jesus.
Another piece of our desire to be comfortable comes out in our comfort zone. We like to stay in our little comfort zone and not put ourselves out there. However, there are times in our lives where God calls us to step out of our comfort zone and walk in faith with him. God’s great plan for us will never be found in our comfort zone. “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer” (Psalm 94:19). A life lived for Jesus Christ can’t be found inside our definition of comfort. God asks us to do a lot of things that to the average person is not comfortable at all. But that is exactly why we need to find our comfort in Christ alone. Then we have the peace and joy we need to do all that God has called us to do. We can step out in faith knowing that the God of all comfort is with us every step of the way.
When we truly find our comfort in Christ, he is our comfort zone. And that means no matter what Christ says or where he leads, we will find the comfort we need to keep moving forward and look towards our circumstances with joy.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
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