We all suffer wounds and brokenness. the Apostle Paul calls them afflictions. Every way we are wounded, physically, emotionally and spiritually, is an opportunity for us to receive comfort and compassion from, and for others. How can that be you ask? “Blessed be the… God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 3-4)
This weeks photo is what inspired me this week. It is a dead or dying tree. After a long and fruitful life, giving shade and comfort to animals and humans alike, it continues to feed and shelter the forest in its afflictions. Insects, fungi, birds and likely rodents like chipmunks and squirrels are all using this tree for food and shelter. The tree can only submit to the cycle of life, but we can choose.
The afflictions, the brokenness we experience often pull us away from our Creator, or they can draw us closer. As people created in the image of God, we can hide in our pain or reach out for help. We choose how we will respond.
When we push away, we open the door to bitterness, depression and so much more. When we lean into God and others who have walked a broken path, and survived, we find hope. Our hope is not for us alone. Genuine hope cannot be contained, so it overflows, splashing on those we come in contact with. Choosing to lean into the God of all comfort leads us to the supernatural resources that enable us to join the company of survivors who reach out to comfort and help more people.
The wounds that we allow Abba to touch and heal give us strength we never knew we had. Actually, we did not have it until we hid ourselves in the God of all comfort. Scar tissue is not usually pretty, but it can be a reminder of the faithfulness of God in our lives. Through trials we can choose to isolate and become miserable on many levels. Or to develop trust in the God of all comfort, in turn strengthening our faith muscles and growing our compassion.
Abba,
Give me the courage to choose to lean into You when I hurt. Lead me to safe people who can demonstrate the God of all comfort to me.
Give me eyes to see and ears to receive your word, the Bible. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) .
Thank You for your never ending love and for sealing us in You by Your Holy Spirit.
May we all overflow to comfort others with Your hope that does not disappoint!
