Nov 15, 2008

Joy That Comforts

It’s raining outside and I’m snuggled in my chair with three of my favorite things, my bible, cup of tea, and a favorite quilt. I love old quilts, they have such character, they are warm and cozy, and they bring such a sense of comfort when I cover myself with it. This would be another way that I would describe Joy, finding comfort as I snuggle in the palm of his hands as he carries me through, and safely covers me under his wings. The Joy of the Lord goes before me, preparing the path, so that no matter what comes my way his Joy would be present not only within me, but flowing out of me, and covering me.

When I looked up comfort, I smiled as I saw the word comforter describing a quilted coverlet, and also described it as solace, another word for comfort as one feels while drinking a cup of tea. Well that made me smile with Joy even more. Joy may seem like a little word, with just a few letters, but it’s a word filled with God‘s power, and strength, it brings hope, it comforts, it gives peace that passes all understanding. I know it full well, and can testify of experiencing this kind of joy even through the toughest journey of my life.

The word comfort contains a very special ingredient that Paul talks about, and that is the “peace of God.” But it’s the next four words which taught me a valuable lesson and they are, “which passes all understanding.” I thought I could find peace by understanding my trials, but there was not any, we may never fully understand or know the reasons why here on earth, but this is when Jesus gives us his peace that passes all understanding. The Joy in trials comes when we can learn, grow, and trust him through each of them. I remember when I would ask my mother a question that she could not answer, her reply would always be, “only God knows why,” and nothing more was said after that.

When I was going through my chemo treatments, it would leave me feeling so bad, and I would go through flu like symptoms. I would feel so cold and my dear husband would cover me with a warm quilt, and I would snuggle close to him as he held me in his arms and prayed for me. I felt so comforted, so at peace and safe, that is how it is when the Lord’s presence surrounds us, when he holds us in the midnight hours, and calls out to his father as he intercedes in prayer for us. All our cares, anxiousness, and pain, he soothes away, and we rest in his loving arms as he holds and covers us with his comfort and his peace.

Prayer..Dear Lord you are a God of Comfort, a God of peace . You said in John 14:18 that you will not leave us comfortless, and that you will come to us. We thank you for giving us peace that pasees all understanding even when at times we find it hard to understand , or try to comprehend all that is happenening in our lives. You comfort and cover us with your presence where there is fullness of Joy, Joy unspeakable, full of glory...Amen


Next Sunday: Joy Sings In The Fire




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36 comments:

SmilingSally said...

Quilts can be like God; they wrap around us and keep us well cared for. Thanks.

Musings of A Minister said...

Excellent post. I love the part of your story about your husband wrapping you in a comforter and then holding you close. Comfort and joy are two great words. I'm reminded that some food is called comfort food because of the feeling we have about eating it. Thanks again for your good words.

From the Heart said...

Beautifull! You brought tears to my eyes. This post ministered to me in a special way.
Thanks and be blessed,
AliceE.

Peggy said...

Blessings Joyful sister...how touching and comforting your words of JOY! I loved this teaching! Thanks!

Thank You Holy Comforter for filling our moments with your peace! Praise God you had HIS COMFORT, a Comfortor, a cup of tea and a loving hubby to lean on!

This is my favorite nugget from all
you shared "The Joy in trials comes when we can learn, grow, and trust Him through each of them." You did and so can I...I don't know how others do when they don't have JESUS!...Enjoy a sweet Spiritual Sunday...snuggled up in His Peace!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Lorie,
That is a good word you wrote today. In James chapter 1 verses 2 & 3, he tells us to count it all JOY when we go through trials and tribulations. You have been there and are the stronger for it. You are able to give encouragement to others because of the journey you have taken. God bless you and thank you for sharing from your heart.

Blessings,
Sandi

Anonymous said...

What comforting encouragement. Thank you for sharing. I love your pictures.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Renna said...

That was beautifully written, Lorie. I love your analogy of the quilt, and the warm comfort and solace it brings, just like crawling up on Jesus' lap does.

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

What a wonderful illustration of God's warmth and comfort. I smiled when you said you looked up comfort as I think of your post today, you've brought thoughts of comfort to me today. It's dark and cold here in Minnesota and I have my cuppa and warm blanket with thoughts and prayers towards you and your family. Blessings to you! :)

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

Beautiful! I felt comfort just reading your post today.
Thank-you,
Ginger

Ballerina Girl said...

Very encouraging post...thank you for sharing!
and I am so glad you checked back at my blog...I lost all of my addresses when I was trying to put up a new background, and now you and your thoughtful words are back for me to enjoy :)
BG

Wanita said...

What an encouraging post. I'm so thankful that the Lord gives joy and comfort, even in the midst of our trials.

Blessings,
Wanita

Josh said...

I couldn't have said this any better. He is so many things to us, and "comforter" is a big one. Praying that his comfort surrounds each and every one of us as we continue on our journey through life.

Anonymous said...

So good and uplifting. He is our wonderful comforter, and I love Him so. Praise the Lord for your testimony.
Blessings-

Kelly said...

Oh Lorie,
I had not known you went thru those treatments, you are a strong Godly woman. Your Husband must be a dear sweet man, ahhh and your Mother a very wise woman. Thank you for your words today, they mean so much to so many, God is using you to speak to people, even if it is one~

Many ((hugs)) and many Blessings to you~
Kelly

God Chaser said...

What great comfort you bring my friend. thanks for sharing and giveng such joy. Be blessed

Kay Martin said...

Love your writing...I felt the quilt wrapped around me. Oh, how tender and dear your precious husband is. Your love of words and your willingness to chase down their true meaning makes you a great writer.

YOu gave me one of those "aha" moments up the side of my head with quilt...comforter; comforts. Guess that's how the linen industry named the bed quilt a "comforter."

YOu always bring me just a little closer to our Lord. Thank you. That's how I love to begin the week. Be whole, well and blessed.

Sheryl said...

great words! i am so glad HE comforts us especially in those times when we just do not understand. praying for more of that peace that passes all understanding. love to you!

~sheryl

Shanita Waters said...

What a beautiful post! Once again, God has used you to beautifully articulate His Joy and Comfort.

Be blessed!
Shanita

Rev.Aaron Holcombe said...

Thanks as always for your words of encouarement! God knew I needed that word and He sent it to me through you! God bless you!!

Anonymous said...

Lorie,

We have had our fill of trials this year as I am sure many people have . . . but the joy that underscores them all is undeniable. I have found true joy in trials, afflictions, etc. because they are opportunities to witness the power, love and comfort of God, which never ceases to blow my mind.

Smiles,

Rachel

michelle said...

this is beautiful, thank you!

Cherdecor said...

I love old quilts also. I have my great grandmother's quilt and a quilt that was made by a church group for my parents. They mean a lot to me.

I love the story of you husband wrapping a comforter around you while you were suffering the effects of chemo. Your analogy of that and God are so comforting.

Enjoy your rainy day.
Blessings,
Cheryl

Joy said...

WOW! I was blown away by your story and I am truly comforted by knowing that God will take care of everything. I always remember this saying: "if God brings you to it, he'll bring you through it". I know that whatever life may throw at us, it won't be something too much for us. I also know that we may never know the reason "why" but that God has a purpose, a reason and that we must experience to get to the next path in our journey that God has created for us. thank you for sharing this story and for leaving such a wonderful comment. thank you for signing my guestbook as well.

Devoted said...

Great post! It brings to mind an old song...'when the comforter comes. You have stirred my heart this day, sister. God bless you! Theresa

Cathy said...

Another beautiful post, Lorie, thank you, sweet sister.

HOPE said...

Amen! Truly the LORD is our GOD of ALL comfort!

To shy away from trials...robs one of this great comfort found only in the LORD and the good work in our lives drawing us closer to him, and understanding of his ways.

Yea, would we know the peace that passeth ALL understanding!

I Peter 1:6-8

God bless..
HOPE

Fitts said...

Another beautiful post, that I am sure was and will be a blessing to all who read (-:

DeAntwan

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

Such a wonderful post and so comforting!!!!! I do know what you mean about going through chemo and feeling cold. . . and I do wrap myself in a quilt that my sister-in-law made and sent to me. There is comfort and warmth in that. I'm glad I waited to post my comment, as reading everyone else's comments was the icing on the cake, so to speak!!!! Thanks so much for such a wonderful post!

Cora

Given precious Jules said...

Profoundly beautiful, thank you for sharing. God is such a wonderful Daddy King.

-T

Becky said...

LOL. Yes that is a pine cone. Its from a sugar pine. We have hundreds of them in our yard. I just found out that my parents will be in Kuai (sp?) at the end of December and early January. I could box one up for them to bring to you. ;-) You are always a blessing to me. Thank you. Love Becky @ adultdeprived

Joyfulsister said...

What a blessing it has been reading all what you have shared with me from your hearts. This series on Joy has been such an awesome journey for me, and I give thanks to the Lord for allowing it to be a blessing to all of you as well. I have heard the saying" There is Joy In the Journey" I'm no longer just hearing it, I am living and experiencing the journey. Even during times of struggle, or maybe having a day that did not go so well, I hold on to the promise that JOy comes in the morning!!! and I can start all over again.

Hugz Lorie

Devoted said...

Thanks for the wonderful comment, it means a lot coming from a writer like you! If you like that story check out my July 1 and July 2 posts. It's a Dogs Life...we should be so smart and What Are You Looking At. Hope you enjoy. Thanks again and God bless you always. :-D

jhunnelle said...

I missed reading your post!

"The Joy of the Lord goes before me, preparing the path, so that no matter what comes my way his Joy would be present not only within me, but flowing out of me, and covering me"

I will remember this, knowing the path that God is leading us is full of challenges.

As the bible says, "the joy of the Lord is our strength, without joy indeed, our life would be in mess.

Beautiful and encouraging post as usual.

Blessings
jhunnelle

Given precious Jules said...

Thank you for your kind words on my blog sweet new friend. I look forward to reading your blogs richness; it truly is inspiring. I also look forward to communicating with you more. Take care of yourself.

Love,
T

cinnamongirl93 said...

Hi Sister! I always enjoy reading your post. It brings me back to what's truly important in life. Your words remind me of my true focus. Jesus! Thank you!

God's Girl said...

Your pictures caught my eye but your words caught my heart. Thanks for sharing. : )

Blessings to you!

Julie