A few nights ago, I had to comfort our cat, Raven, during a
thunderstorm. She's not usually affected by the weather, but something had her
scared. So I held her and talked to her. I made a blanket tent for her to sleep
under and sat with her until she felt brave enough to burrow under the
blankets.
Once she was calmer and safely tucked under her tent, I went to bed. But before I fell asleep, I thought about her need for comfort and how we're not much different in this respect.
Aren't there times we all need to feel safe and to be reminded that we're going to be okay?
Maybe it's not a thunderstorm, but a situation that makes life feel out of control.
The diagnosis.
A relationship that's falling apart.
Sadness and grief.
Financial struggles.
Or so many other possibilities.
Sometimes God will change what's going on around us, but often He will provide comfort for what's going on inside of us instead. {Tweet this}
Once she was calmer and safely tucked under her tent, I went to bed. But before I fell asleep, I thought about her need for comfort and how we're not much different in this respect.
Aren't there times we all need to feel safe and to be reminded that we're going to be okay?
Maybe it's not a thunderstorm, but a situation that makes life feel out of control.
The diagnosis.
A relationship that's falling apart.
Sadness and grief.
Financial struggles.
Or so many other possibilities.
Sometimes God will change what's going on around us, but often He will provide comfort for what's going on inside of us instead. {Tweet this}
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.
2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
Because He comforts us first, we are able to comfort
others.
We may not be able to change someone's circumstances, but we can be there just to sit and let her know she's not alone. {Tweet this}
I couldn't stop the thunderstorm, but I could comfort Raven when she was afraid.
I couldn't stop my mom's cancer last year, but I could sit with her in her pain so she didn't feel alone.
So many things we can't control, but we can be there.
Even when we can't understand the situation or the pain, just being present can often be enough. It validates another person's emotions. It says, "You don't have to walk through this alone."
And perhaps, as God works through us, it even shines some light into the dark places in our lives.
We may not be able to change someone's circumstances, but we can be there just to sit and let her know she's not alone. {Tweet this}
I couldn't stop the thunderstorm, but I could comfort Raven when she was afraid.
I couldn't stop my mom's cancer last year, but I could sit with her in her pain so she didn't feel alone.
So many things we can't control, but we can be there.
Even when we can't understand the situation or the pain, just being present can often be enough. It validates another person's emotions. It says, "You don't have to walk through this alone."
And perhaps, as God works through us, it even shines some light into the dark places in our lives.
In Christ,
Laura
[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]
Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory, InstaEncouragements, #RechargeWednesday,
Let’s Have Coffee, Worth Beyond Rubies, #TuneInThursday, #HeartEncouragement, #FaithonFire,
Faith ‘n Friends, Grace & Truth, Spiritual Sundays
Laura, this is such a good reminder. Sometimes the best gift we can offer is our presence. Without a word being spoken, we can convey our love and concern by just being there. May God continue to bring you His comfort.
ReplyDeleteWe never know what God will do with our presence when we offer it as a gift to another person. Trusting that God will meet you today in His own unique and gracious way.
ReplyDeleteOh, so good, Laura. When we are there for our loved ones in times of trouble we are modeling God, who is always there for us.
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura for this great reminder. I love your use of Scripture here and the fact that you can fine a spiritual analogy in the every day. I'm a cat person too! Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
ReplyDeleteOne of the most powerful ministries each one of us can practice? The ministry of presence. Excellent post.
ReplyDeleteGod is such a good Father, whispering to us, making us feel safe in even the worst of storms. I'm so grateful, even when I don't recognize all He does.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this precious reminder today, Laura! May we cling to him in every storm!
ReplyDeleteYour gentleness is soothing and comforting to read. My natural tendency is to try to fix things, but I'm learning that sometimes the most helpful thing I can do is be still and silent, but present (as you've so beautifully described in this post). Knowing that we're not alone makes a gigantic difference even if it doesn't fix the situation.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Laura! So thankful for the Lord's willingness to provide us with comfort and companionship when life is hard. Blessings!
ReplyDelete