Sunday, June 9, 2013
Where To Go For Comfort
From time to time, we all seek comfort from God. I was thinking about this subject this morning reflecting on my son’s race at the race track last night where he crashed his car. He is okay, but the car will definitely need some help. It made me sad for him last night because this is his dream and he just wanted to enjoy it. It also made me think of how often people at church, me included, have needs and ask for prayer. In addition to the thing we need prayer for, we are seeking comfort, or at least I am in those situations. What I thought about this morning is where do I go to find comfort? Do I sit in a closet? Do I go to a beach? Do I sit in the parking lot at work?
In Psalm 116 I see the psalmist describing being lost, and crying out to God who brings salvation in verses 1-13. Just like me, the psalmist was at once thankful and also sought comfort in that state of salvation. So what does the psalmist say he did? Knowing that could be helpful to us. In verses 14-18 it says he paid his vows in the presence of God’s people, which is performing the words of our lips. To do that he calls upon the name of the Lord and offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving. And where does this occur? In the midst of the people, in the house of God, in the middle of Jerusalem. Today, we are the house of God, and we collectively are trying to become the bride of the Lamb, which is the New Jerusalem. The psalmist went there to honor God AND to find comfort. We can too, but we must go where His people are, because God is in in everyone of them. When we are all together, with all our good qualities and all our faults, we are in the midst of God.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your mercy and loving-kindness toward us all. Today I feel very blessed, not for great possessions or jewels or money, but because I know You love me. I know You love all Your children. I thank You for every one of Your children God, and ask that You reach out to them today, drawing them together in our name, and giving them comfort as they offer up thanksgiving. In Jesus name. Amen.