Wednesday
Dec102008
Comfort and Joy...
Posted on 
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 2:52AM
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 2:52AM 
Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.
Each month I give away a gift card to someone who posts on my blog. In honor of our Savior's birth - and of your sweet friendship, this month I'm giving away a $25.00 gift card to Starbucks!
So leave a post, share a story, and maybe you'll win a nice treat for you and your friends!
Now on to my topic...
How is your holiday season going thus far? Are you running the rat race? Are you overwhelmed by your 'to-do' list? Or maybe you're so burdened by real life issues that you're having a difficult time entering into the festivities this year.
My prayer is that you'll find encouragement and comfort as you read today's post.
Here's what the Word says:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll fear no evil; for Your rod and staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4)
You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again (Psalm 71:21).
In this world we have trials and tribulations, it's true. But the Christ-child who came to earth, who lived to die, who defeated death, well, He blessed us with the Holy Spirit - our Divine Comforter, to lead us, guide us, minister to us, and strengthen us.
We struggle, but we're not without comfort. We strain, but it doesn't mean we don't have access to peace. The Prince of Peace has an open door policy. We can approach Him anytime, anywhere. What a glorious gift He's given us, simply by allowing continual and constant access to Him.
Furthermore, when we press through our pain to find peace and perspective; when we hang on to faith and find comfort in the Holy One, we then become comforters ourselves. That rigorous process of pushing past an earthly perspective to a Heavenly one, strengthens and refines us; it prepares us for service.
Our trials are measured and though the Lord doesn't send us trials, He certainly uses them. He wastes nothing. Our divine training is very intentional on God's part.
When Jesus stepped away from His Heavenly throne, and wrapped Himself in skin and tendon and bone, and then handed Himself over to a world that would torture and execute Him - He came to earth, right in the midst of the struggles of mankind. That's why He came. We needed Him. The people in His day needed Him.
Bypassing comfort (to say the least), He died, to save us, that we might be comforted.
And then there's joy!
Here's what the Word says:
In Your presence, the fullness of joy is found (Psalm 16:11).
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life (Psalm 19:8).
The joy of the Lord is my strength and yours!
To possess joy is to know a sense of triumph - that ultimate victory is YOURS. It's to embrace gladness of heart because of a right perspective. It's to refuse to allow your emotions to dictate your day, your direction, or your current state of mind. It's to KNOW and RELY on the Love God has for you.
Joy has its deep roots in the soil of God's love and faithfulness. To the extent that we're convinced of these, will we know joy.
Jesus came - as you know - to bridge the gap, to save our souls, to comfort our spirits, and to make us whole.
STOP...right now, and ponder afresh what the Almighty has done for you. Ponder what He offers you today. Don't give His gifts a passing glance. Pause. Ponder. Prepare room in your heart for Him. Prepare room in your day for Him. Make room in your home for Him.
You'll be richer for it.
Comfort and joy - what precious, priceless gifts. Ours for taking.
Blessings to you all~
Reader Comments (15)
Minutes ago I got a serious prayer-chain call. There is a little 2 week old baby from our church with spinal meningitis and a strep infection! Her name is Jade, and the next five days are critical. Her temp is 104° and they can't get it down — I assume that is the most crucial matter for prayer right now.
I didn't think you would mind if I commented about it, hoping other readers would pray.
Thanks for your ministry!
I just stumbled upon your blog as I was looking to purchase your book (Uncommon Woman) for my bridesmaids as their gift (along with jewlery and a lipstick, all my favorite items). I'm getting married next Saturday and your reflection for this week couldn't be more timely. With getting married, there comes certain stresses and it's easy to get away from personal devotional time with the Lord. But it's so important, as you note, to remember that every good thing is from Him: My fiance was a total gift from the Lord, and so is God's son who died so that we may live.
Amazing...Happy Holidays, Susie and fellow readers!
I am so glad that I received a copy of your latest book "The Uncommon Woman", given to me by a friend in the choir at the church I attend and am a member. Yes,I am reading and making notes from each chapter and praying for those God lays on my heart; plus applying words of wisdom from you, Susie, and some others commments on how God has worked and answered prayer in their lives, and others lives as well. Sometimes, it seems that you feel as if you are the only one going thru problems; but I do know that I am not the only one who goes through pain; but so do we all in some way or another. I praise God for his comfort and joy that he gives me everyday in my life. It has been by God's Grace that I have been active for the past 26 years in studying the word of God, reading materials either given to me, or by friends, who may have an interest in my christian growth. They have encouraged me along the way,and I thank God for them each and everyone. Today when I stopped by your website, and after reading your topic, new for this week Susie, of encourging words of Comfort and Joy; really this increased my faith in God, and in the times of distress and trying times, I have experienced. God has taught me many lessons in life and how to handle them; and to have the Joy to go on living my life and trusting in Him who is able to give us strength in Him to grow us and make us able to live the best that only God can have for us. It has been my constant prayer of Healing in my Heart that God's Love and Understanding will be a Peace this Christmas, and that the trying times we all go through in some way at different ways and times will bring us all that Peace of God that passes all understanding, and that the Joy of Christmas will be in all our Hearts this Season of Christmas. This is the Season, The Best Time of the Year, Come on and Celebrate for Christmas Time is Here. Carolers Singing, Silver Bells Ringing, This is the Season, He is the Reason, This is the Season of Love. Our church choir I am a member of is singing for our Christmas program this year, "The Glory of Christmas". The words above are some from that Christmas presentation this coming Sunday, December 14. I have really enjoyed singing and doing this program along with the other choir members. Our orchestra, children, young people are all participating and it will be such a great Joy in my being just a small part of this whole program. Susie, when I stopped by to read your thoughts, and devotional for today, and comments of others, I just want you to know that your topic touched my heart and spirit greatly. Your topics and comments from other members, your website and the new book I received from a friend in Texas has encouraged me and my Faith by good christian people such as you. Of course, really Jesus is the Reason. Merry Christmas, and Happy Blessings in the New Year. Thanks so very much, Susie.
God Bless Linda D. McMaster in Texas
Well Congratulations on your wedding!May God richly bless you and yours! And have a great time on your honeymoon!Peace to you~
Thank you so much for sharing! I hope you had a powerful time at your Christmas program this weekend! Music is a powerful tool; a wonderful vehicle; a gift from God. :)I hope you enjoy the book. Blessings to you!
What a GREAT point. He knows our need. And He's okay that we need it. He remembers that we're dust. He knows our frame and how transient we are. Still He loves us with an everlasting love. When you consider His majesty and then ponder His intimacy, it's really mind boggling that we don't embrace Him more, no?Blessings to you!
Thanks for your prayers!
Received your message today; Monday December 15, and thank you for answering. God really Blessed our presentation last night, December 14 with a full house attendance. It was Wonderful!! "To God Be The Glory".
Blessings in your Ministry,
Linda D. McMaster
I'm so sorry to read about your recent struggles with your husband. May God wrap you up in His arms and hold you close. May you walk forward - not reacting to your husband's choices - but responding to God's whisper in your ear. He'll tell you how to walk through this thing. Blessings to you~