This week on the podcast, I shared about the “Discipleship of Discomfort” and the trap that lusting after comfort or valuing comfort too highly can cause. We can fall into complacency as believers. We can get caught in the trap of desiring comfort to the point that we seek out comfort more than we seek out doing God’s will. We like our comfort zones and getting out of them is not only uncomfortable, but sometimes scary, so we need to learn to be uncomfortable and be okay with that.
We have a danger in our attitudes when we think we need to be comfortable all the time or that we need to make others feel comfortable all the time–that we never ruffle any feathers because we shared an uncomfortable truth. We can even get really unpleasant when the temperature in the room is not to our liking. How many times have we complained or heard someone complain because the church pew is too hard, the bathroom doesn’t meet our standards, or the temperature is too hot or cold?
Whether we are talking about being uncomfortable emotionally because someone doesn’t say what we want or agree with or physical discomfort, we must check our hearts and not allow comfort to become our priority.
Having said all that, as I shared those thoughts, I couldn’t help but also think of the blessing and discipleship of comfort. We have the comfort of knowing that God is with us, and we can ask for help and healing any time. He helps heal our broken bones and heals our broken hearts. We have a refuge in Jesus, a shelter, when we’re facing difficulties and struggles in life. Our children need to understand they have an advocate in Christ Jesus (1 John 2:1), that he loves them and is always with them.
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter (John 14:16), and God does comfort us. Lately, God keeps bringing me back to Psalm 23, and two Sundays ago I heard the most amazing sermon on this Psalm. I feel like God has been trying to show me some truths in there, and sure enough, one of them is his comfort. Because, even though we live in an uncomfortable world where our bodies don’t always cooperate in feeling good and even in functioning the way we want them to, especially as we get older, God is still there, and he’s still a God of comfort.
One person said to me this week that we know we’re going to live in heaven someday, but right now we live in heavenly places which we see in Ephesians (Ephesians 2:6). I’ve always loved those verses. But what God was showing me, as this gentleman was sharing with me, is that God wants us to walk in those heavenly places, no matter what circumstances are going on. Even though in our flesh or in our circumstances, we’re uncomfortable or going through something really trying or troubling, we should exist in the presence of God and have that confidence of his presence and the hope and comfort of his presence. That’s where our minds and hearts should be even when turmoil and chaos are going on around us. I’ve been thinking a lot about what he said to me and what that means.
People may argue that as Christians we are trying to live in an unrealistic denial, or that we’re trying to ignore what is going on. I don’t think that is it at all. In fact, I think we understand not only what is going on, but we see if from God’s perspective. Seeing life from the big picture and from his perspective changes everything. That’s why we can have peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). If we didn’t have God, that peace would evaporate. It surpasses all understanding because in our humanity, it’s not there. It’s only in him that we have that peace. It’s only in him that we find joy in the journey even when the journey is rough, frustrating, painful, and uncomfortable.
So, I want to encourage you today. Yes, we do, as parents, need to help raise tough, resilient children who can handle life’s difficulties, discomforts, and struggles that are a part of life for all of us. We need to help them prepare to handle the troubles they may face as Christians and, as our world heats up in its anti-Christian attitude, help them count the cost of following Christ (Luke 14:28). They need to be ready for what the future may bring while still standing firm on God’s promise that his grace is enough for any situation we face (2 Corinthians 12:9).
We must rejoice with each other and our children, and remember God’s ability to give us a comfortable existence in his glorious presence at all times regardless of our circumstances. This is one of his amazing miracles in our lives. The fact that he fills us with joy in the midst of sorrow, peace in the midst of chaos, and love when we are surrounded by enemies are all evidence of God’s comfort and care. He is amazing, merciful, and loving, giving us grace always.
I encourage you to look at Psalm 23 together as a family and consider all the comfort God shows us as our Great Shepherd. I hope it blesses you and challenges you like it has me.
Psalm 23, ESV
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.