Monday, April 07, 2014

The Chill of Life is Warmed By the Comfort of God

The Chill of Life is Warmed By the Comfort of God

ImageYesterday was supposed to have been sunny and warm. Instead it was overcast and cold with a bone chilling wind most of the day. Because it was cold and because the wind blew and because we were outside in it I got chilled to the bone. When we packed up and headed home I was still cold. After drinking a pot of coffee and having a hot bowl of chili I was still feeling the effects of the cold. Finally I just had to go to bed. Once inside the warmth of our heavy comforter I felt the chill leave and I could finally relax. 
There are times when we experience cold, sunless days. The winds of adversity howl around us.  We don’t set out to plan for the bone chilling trials and situations that come our way, but they happen nonetheless. We may be caught without protection and think we are going to succumb to the weather.  We’re numb with grief and we’re shaking with worry and fear. Worried that the wind won’t ever subside and fear that our present weather is the truth for us the rest of our lives.  
We also, if truth be known, wonder if God is aware of our circumstances and if He can or will do anything to help us.  We need something more than a blanket and a cup of coffee to abate the deep chill that has settled in our hearts and minds.
God wants you to know that the weather you are experiencing didn’t catch Him by surprise.  He cares about everything that concerns you. He hasn’t left you to fight the fear and worry alone and He isn’t going to leave you in your present circumstances forever.  He speaks to you this morning and His words are full of love. There is a shelter from life’s storms and it is the Lord Himself. He will hide you in the comfort of His Word and keep you sheltered until the winds subside and the chill is gone. Even while you are experiencing the onslaught of a surprise winter in your life, He is working all things out for your good and His glory. Nothing in all creation, not the wind or the weather or any other thing can keep you from finding what you need in Him. Once you have stepped into His presence and given the entire situation over to Him you will begin to see warmth return and peace preside.
Oh beloved, He’s got this. He has taken your chilling situation and is turning it around. He will take you into His loving arms and give you the light of His love which will warm you in the midst of the cold. He will protect you with His Word and He has given you The Comforter to cover you entirely for the duration. He will not let you go through the winds of adversity without seeing His divine nature teach you more about His warmth than you know about the cold. He’s for you and He’s working those things out so that you will feel the warmth of His presence and see the answers to your heartfelt cries.  You may not have much to rely on right now, but He is enough. You can always rely on Him. You go through nothing alone and your present situation is not permanent.
God loves you and He’s for you and that, beloved, will get you through, make you strong, keep you warm and calm the winds of adversity so that you can live in the light of His Truth all the days of your life.
John 14:26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. Amplified
Psalm 27:5 For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
1 John 5:15 And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.
Psalm 59:16 But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
Psalm 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love.

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