What Comforts You?
When times are intense, what comforts you?
When you don’t get your way and your life seems in disarray, what comforts you?
When you are experiencing emotional or physical pain, what is the one thing that is sure to alleviate your discomfort?
What is it?
“O may Your lovingkindness comfort me.” – Psalm 119:76
What comforts you?
During this time of quarantine and isolation, it has been obvious to me what I use as pacifiers during the uncomfortable days of my life.
Some of the things that I have enlisted to console me are healthy habits … while others are not.
First … for the unhealthy … are you ready for me to bare my soul to you?
Yes. I do use food. Yes. I do.
I am not proud of it but food has often become my default during the long days of homebound living.
Why do I think that food has the magical power to instantly change my reality and to bring unmatched joy and peace to my turmoil?
Why, indeed?
Food is unable to soothe and I hate to inform you of this but chocolate has absolutely no healing powers.
(I know … sorry to disappoint those of you who have been living in a false reality that chocolate has the power to make everything better. I checked the wrapper from whence the chocolate came … nothing healing or magical about chocolate contrary to popular opinion. Sorry about that.)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” – II Corinthians 1:3
I have also spent a lot of useless time on social media.
Have you?
Now… there is what I would call “useful time” on social media. “Useful time” would be the time devoted to ministering to others or encouraging friends and family members.
But I have also spent w-a-a-a-a-a-y too many hours simply scrolling … looking … stalking … observing … gawking … wishing … hoping … judging.
I confess. I supposed that perhaps social media would fill an empty spot in me. It didn’t. It might have actually left a gaping hole in me … one that is unable to be filled through virtual relationships.
Not all of my quarantine amenities of choice have been lethal … some have actually been healthy.
“For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” – II Corinthians 1:5
I have been walking. A lot.
Every day when the weather cooperates I go for a 4-5 mile walk in the wonder of God’s creative genius! I listen for birds … look at the blooming flowers … smile at children from a distance … and run away from the neighborhood dogs.
I wave “hello” to other fellow walkers … listen to endless podcasts … lift my face to the sunshine and feel all lit up inside!
Oh! How I love my daily walk-fest! It’s so much better than chocolate and carbs!
“Comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” – II Thessalonians 2:17
I have been reading. A lot.
My stack of unread books is growing shorter by the day. I have read biographies, historical fiction and old devotionals. I have read Christian discipleship books, Christian living books and best-sellers.
I have read recently released books as well as classic literature that has been in my family for generations.
I have read books by well-known authors as well as books by brand new authors.
Some of my favorite books read during this time have been:
“Soul Strong” by Lucinda Seacrest McDowell
“The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence
“The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children” by Stormie Omartian
“Dangerous Prayers” by Craig Groeschel
“Staying Power” by Carol & Gene Kent and Cindy and David Lambert
“The Invisible Woman” by Nicole Johnson
“Chasing Wisdom” by Daniel Grothe
“The Land Beneath Us” by Sarah Sundin
I have also crafted new and creative ways to minister to others.
When I saw my entire spring and summer schedule of speaking engagements collapse before my eyes, I realized that this time of social quarantine was going to require great creativity from those who were called to be proclaimers of the Gospel.
I knew that God was not surprised by this time nor was I forgotten during this time.
(And neither are you forgotten … by the way …)
Rather than groaning over all of the things that I was unable to do such as travel, speak to large groups and to interact personally with others, I accepted this time as a gift.
I belong to several prayer groups and think tank groups who are now meeting weekly by Zoom.
We love it! We may never stop Zooming!
I am writing a new book. More about that in the weeks to come …
I have hosted one webinar and will be doing another one on June 13. More details to come!!
And finally …
Do you remember how pioneers used to gather around the campfire for times of community and faith?
Do you recall how your grandparents and parents used to gather on the front porch after a long day of work just to visit with one another?
I wondered how we could “gather” while still in quarantine when I came up with a God-inspired idea!
I decided to make Facebook work for me as a platform of ministry.
Nearly every night at 9:00 p.m. CT, I hop on my Facebook page for 15 minutes of hope and joy from the Scriptures. We have developed a lively family of men and women who join at this time.
If you’d like to gather with us, we’d love to have you. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/carolmcleodministries
Now remember … it’s not EVERY night but it is MOST nights.
And can I tell you something?
Encouraging others has comforted me in the most profound way of all.
I look forward to those 15 minutes of gathering just as if I was meeting with someone rich and famous or influential.
My cup has been filled as I have chosen to refresh others.
“The generous man will be prosperous and he who waters himself will be watered.” – Proverbs 11:25
I have discovered the glorious and unmatched comfort that comes from simply encouraging someone else.
Have you?
Thanks for listening to my heart this week. As you know by now, my heart is truly not a perfect heart but it is a heart that is filled to overflowing with gratitude for the life I have been given and for the people who walk with me. And, it continues to be a heart that is relentlessly chasing after God and all that He is!