A Timely Encounter
As I rushed through my errands, I decided to stop at a fast food restaurant to grab a cold drink. The drive-through line was backed up, so I opted to go inside instead. That’s when I spotted a dear friend sitting at a booth, hunched over her laptop, her brow furrowed with worry. She was so engrossed in what was on the screen that she didn’t even notice me waving at her. But then I saw a tear roll down her cheek, and my heart went out to her. I slid into the booth beside her and gently placed my hand over hers, which was crumpling a to-go napkin. She startled, and then relief washed over her face.
A Cry for Comfort
“What’s wrong?” I asked, already sensing that something was amiss. She showed me the email on her screen, and my heart sank. It was disturbing news from her son. Without a word, we bowed our heads and prayed. In that moment, I was reminded of David’s question: “Why does God seem so far away in times of trouble?” It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at some point.
The Presence of God
The truth is, God is always present, even when we can’t feel Him. Sometimes, we just need to look up from our troubles to see Him. Maybe it’s in the beauty of a rainbow, the lyrics of a song on the radio, or the timely arrival of a friend. Or perhaps God will provide an opportunity for us to be there for someone else, and in doing so, we’ll receive comfort and support as well.
A Prayer for Comfort
As I held hands and prayed with my friend, I felt God’s loving touch. I prayed, “Jesus, You know what it’s like to suffer. You walked among us, and now You continue to pray for us from Heaven. Fill us with the assurance that You are always with us, that You care, and that You will provide the support, comfort, and love we need.” And I added, “Lord, give us the desire to be there for someone else when You provide the opportunity.”
A Call to Action
Is God calling you to be a comfort to someone? Don’t ignore the thought when their name comes to mind. Pray for them, and then reach out – call, text, or give them a hug. And if you’re the one in need of comfort, be open to the ways God will let you know He’s there for you.
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