A Comforter always near...

This week has shown me how God can give peace and comfort when externals are in chaos. I’ve moved more than thirty times, but this one is the most challenging. How we gathered so much stuff in the past twelve years is a puzzle. I barely remember moving back then, but this one is far more difficult physically. Like my dad would say, “I’ve had too many birthdays.”

Today’s reading is a blessing. The author writes that God is “not far off in heaven where we cannot find Him” but close at hand. He abides with us. Just before Jesus left His disciples, He told them:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. (John 14:16)

That word ‘helper’ in the Greek is rich in meaning and describes much of what the Holy Spirit does including encourage, intercession, reminds of truth, and supplying what is needed. This Comforter excels in fulfilling this promise:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

What words of assurance! I want them to sink deep in my heart and in the hearts of all God’s people. Our Comforter abides, always on hand when most needed. He give "the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)

My hubby was troubled this morning as the deadline looms to have our former home cleared and clean for listing it. He sat down and read some Psalms and received comfort. The Lord gives encouragement to me through my vivid imagination. I can visualize this new home without boxes, neat and orderly. I’m encouraged mostly by Scripture, even as events swirl around me or even those world news items that put fear into many hearts. I know that God is sovereign and not surprised at the raging of men and the foolishness that is happening. I also have read the entire history of the world that He left with us in His Word — and in the end, Jesus wins.

PRAY: Again, I’m so thankful that You, Jesus, promise us a peace that is beyond understanding, a peace that is not like the world gives. Through Your Spirit my heart can be at rest. Relying on You gives my heart comfort, even in the midst of boxes and mess. Jesus, You are always enough for me.