POINTS TO PONDER

‘Are you sitting comfortably? - then I’ll begin’. I have been trying to think whether I heard these words on radio or television or read them in a book but, no matter which, they insinuate that comfort plays a large part in being able to sit still and concentrate on what you are being told. Many of us who have sat on hard church pews during lengthy sermons can verify this!

If anyone were to ask us what gives us comfort I feel that, in the majority of cases, the reply would be based on a source of physical comfort such as a soft pillow or cushion, a cosy room, comfy slippers, a hot drink or relaxing music. But have you ever thought about spiritual comfort?

What gives you comfort in times of anxiety, trouble or bereavement? In the Gospel account of St John (Ch 14:16) Jesus told His disciples that He would ask His father to send them another comforter so that, when He had departed, they would have a source of comfort for ever. He said;

‘I will not leave you comfortless (v 18).

These are the words taken from the Authorized (King James) version of the bible which I personally prefer in many passages. The New International Version refers to the Holy Spirit as a ‘Counsellor’ losing, for me, the whole idea of a bringer of comfort. Also the phrase ‘I will not leave you comfortless’ is translated as ‘I will not leave you as orphans’ again I feel losing the idea of comfort.

Sometimes we may go through a time of spiritual discomfort when we feel despondent and fear that God has abandoned us. Our worries start to weigh heavily on our shoulders and problems become too great to bear. This is when we must remember the ‘comfortable’ words our Saviour Christ says to all who truly turn to Him:

‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest’ (St Matthew 11: 28).

Surely we can find comfort in these words? Does your faith give you comfort? Have you been able to find comfort in times of trouble? There are many passages in the Bible that can bring comfort: St John 14 (1-3), (15-18) & (v 27) also Psalm 23 to name but a few. If our faith is strong we know that we can place our trust in God and this will bring us great comfort knowing that He will always love and protect us. What can give us greater comfort that his own promise:

‘Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’

(St Matthew 28: 20).

‘Never leave me not forsake me,

Ever be my friend;

For I need thee, from life’s dawning

To its end’.

Hymn 651 (Church Hymnal)

AVRIL WALKER