Comforts of Winter

With winter closing in on us, thoughts turn to snugly fires and big comforters. It is the time of year when crock pots are plugged in, there's a chill in the air and everyone is trying to find a way to stay warm. Comfort from the elements in the winter months is a must. When I think about these things, I am reminded of a greater comfort we all need - a comfort that protects us from the chill of life. When it has been a tough day, when we have been out in the cold world wondering if people really care or not, and when we are struggling to understand why things happen, there is true comfort to be found when we bundle up in the word of God. The warmth found in God's truths can shield you from the winter winds of hurtful words and cold stares. He is the great comforter! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

There is warmth in His love. It penetrates a heat that flows straight to our hearts. We all need to feel loved. He offers us the warmth of love and companionship; when we know we can go to him just as we are, and enjoy the intimacy of his friendship – the friend who is always offering the gift of his heart to each of us. The warmth of Jesus that brings comfort and hope to the world. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119:76 Jesus wraps us up in His truths. When we are feeling vulnerable and bare, He comes beside us and covers us with His loving arms. Life can break us down and leave us shivering in our heartaches and disappointments. However, always remember our faithful Lord has woven together the most beautiful comforter of all time. It is His words sewn together to offer us a covering that will never grow old. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

There is rest in His words. There is a contentment found when you find yourself bundled in blankets in front of a fire. We have had many guest come to our house to watch TV - minutes into the show or perhaps this time of year a game, they fall sound asleep (I will not mention any names to protect the innocent). There is something soothing about being warm and cuddled up. Even as a small child, when I would lay on the couch my mom would always put a blanket on me and as soon as she did,it was over...off to sleepy land. There is the same rest found in God's love for us. He pours out truths that can still a restless heart. He carries us through our worries. If you need to let go of things in your day to day that are dampening your spirit, God is waiting. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

When you feel chilly, restlessness, or dispirited, there is a great glow of God's love and a blanket of comfort waiting for you in God's promises. "I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD." Psalms 119:48-52 STAY WARM!