Comfort

We like to be comfortable. As Americans, we are blessed with many comforts. We have comfortable beds in comfortable homes. We can have our groceries and meals delivered to our front doors. The list of comforts we enjoy goes on and on. 

In a culture of comfort, things that challenge our comfort are particularly disconcerting. Oftentimes, even the smallest inconveniences can frustrate us. We all know that life brings many challenges that cause true discomfort, maybe in the form of financial issues, relationship problems, illness, or grief. 

Our “comfort culture” may subconsciously affect our reaction to circumstances that disrupt our comfort. The reality is, we often equate God’s love for us with our level of comfort. So if I am hurting, God must not love me like I thought He did. This is not the reality, but this mindset is one that is influenced by our culture of comfort! 

Joseph endured many hardships in his life. He was completely betrayed by his brothers. He spent years in prison after being falsely accused. He was seemingly forgotten by everyone except for God. The Bible tells us that the Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2, 23). God didn’t remove Joseph's discomforts, but He never left Joseph. God didn’t take away the trials and hardships from Joseph’s life, but He loved him through them.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This passage reminds us that God can bring good even from the most uncomfortable, trying times. This doesn’t mean these hard times are “good,” but when we trust in God, He can bring about good from hard times. The good that God can bring from times of discomfort may be growth. Growth may mean a deeper faith, perseverance, or more trust. Maybe our hardship helps us relate to someone else so that we can minister to them. Maybe our trial draws us closer to God. Maybe others see our faith through hard times and are drawn closer to God. We must remember that God can bring about good even from the very difficult trials we face, because He loves us always. He is with us in good times and in terribly uncomfortable ones. 

When difficult times come…

Find comfort in knowing our Savior understands. When we are treated unfairly, remember that Jesus understands. He was rejected. He was mistreated for doing good. He understands! (Hebrews 4:14-15)

Remember God is always faithful. God is with us in good times and bad. He will never leave us. We can trust in His promises. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 10:23)

Remember the hope we have in Jesus. Trials and fear can cause us to be consumed with our current situation. Fear and discomfort can cause us to be short-sighted. Remember our current sufferings won’t compare to what God has waiting for us! (Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17)

Remember God’s steadfast love. God loves us beyond measure. When we hurt, He loves us. God offers us hope through Jesus. This hope and love can sustain us when difficult times come. (Romans 8:38-39)

When hard times come, lean into God because He is with you. Cry out to Him. Always remember His faithfulness. Remember your level of comfort is not indicative of God’s love for you. He loves you with a deep, abiding love. Thanks be to God for His love and faithfulness!