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How to Find Comfort in an Uncomfortable World

How to Find Comfort in an Uncomfortable World

Comfort. 

Maybe comfort’s not overrated.

Or blown out of proportion…at least in the spiritual sense.

But most of us find ourselves in an uncomfortable state. 

Because we live in a world turned topsy-turvy. And we all took a crash course we never signed up for on how to manage current life. 

Life as we know it is now uncertain and unstable.

For many of us, the uncertainty robs our joy, while fear and worry creep in. Sometimes even supercharged panic pays us a visit.

There are ways to find comfort in uncertain times and uncomfortable places.

1. Limit the media we consume.

Staying intentional about what I’m feeding my mind helps me cope with stressful circumstances.

So I limit my intake of news media and social media in what and how much. Although we sometimes hear or read heroic and positive stories, media often focuses on the negative, debates political or social issues, and leaves us in a worse mental perspective than before.

While I am not advocating to pretend real facts don’t exist, I am saying to pay close attention to the source. Since the source—articles, videos, social media posts and people—may not be credible and often present conflicting or false statements. 

And evaluate the amount of media we consume. Consuming too much media and the wrong kind of media fuels worry, fear and “what-ifs.”

Instead, I focus on reading God’s Word—the source of truth, comfort, peace and real hope.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.” (Psalm 119:50 NASB)

Consuming too much media and the wrong kind of media fuels worry, fear and “what-ifs.” Instead, focus on reading God’s Word—the source of truth, comfort, peace and real hope. #comfort Click To Tweet

2. Build a support system.

courtesy of Adobe Spark

God created us to do life together. There’s no better time to receive and give encouragement and support than when we walk the same unfamiliar and unknown path.

Support systems keep us from shouldering our burdens alone. Instead of attempts at “fixing” what’s wrong, walking shoulder-to-shoulder says, “I’m here however you need me.”

Your support system may be a group of friends, family members or online group (which is the route most of us must take these days).

Support systems are great to brainstorm, share with each other, pray for one another, and so on.

Paul wrote about the times and seasons and day of the Lord when he said, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

God created us to do life together and support each other. Instead of attempts at “fixing” what’s wrong, walking shoulder-to-shoulder says, “I’m here however you need me.” #comfort Click To Tweet

3. Remember our life callings.

This community represents varied professions and people wearing a variety of hats in life. I’m a firm believer that we are all called and gifted to fulfill our own life purposes and roles. 

Even though some vocations are more affected during this current pandemic than others, we each decide to remember what initially brought us to the place where we serve.

Have we forgotten our first love? Have we lost the perspective of pursuing what we’re passionate about with a passion? 

Yes, things are miles away from our old “normal.” Yet, we decide whether we are flexible, inventive, follow mandates, compliant, and so on. 

It’s not easy, it’s hard. But the dreams of our heart and our callings remain.

Still further, we choose to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV). And remind each other “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29 ESV) 

4. Receive and give God’s comfort.

In my opinion, comfort’s never overrated. Seriously, most of us like comfort. Such as a bed when we need to rest. Or how food comforts our empty stomach.

However, the deeper issues of physical illness, emotional stress, and the hardships we face on this earth often throw us out of our comfort zone—head first or by the seat of our pants—either end is daunting.

But in the midst of discouragement or despair, God’s comfort shines through.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and source of all our comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT, emphasis added)

God’s comfort revealed in us passes on through us to others. So we receive it and then we give it out.

God's comfort revealed "in" us passes on "through" us to others. So we receive it and then we give it out. This makes us Comfort Ambassadors. #comfort Click To Tweet

Comfort Ambassadors

Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

This makes us comfort ambassadors. Who are you currently a comfort ambassador to? Who has given you God’s comfort? 

And which of the four ways spoke the most to you or what would you add?

Another thing that brings me comfort is prayer. So if you missed it, read last week’s post, The Prayer I Prayed Over 5000 Times.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Literacy Musings/Tell His Story/Purposeful Faith/Recharge Wednesday/Worth Beyond Rubies/Tune in Thursday/Heart Encouragement/Embracing the Unexpected and Faith On Fire.


© 2020 Karen Friday, All rights reserved

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July 23, 2020 at 8:35 am | Uncategorized


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Nancy E Head says:

A wonderful word here, Karen. Less media, more God. A prescription for peace.

Karen says:

I like that fail-proof prescription for peace, Nancy!

Karen, thank you so much for this beautiful message. These are great reminders to focus on Him and not ourselves.

Karen says:

Thanks, Melissa. I pray we choose to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV). And remind each other “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29 ESV)

Cathy Baker says:

These are all great suggestions, Karen, but the one that stood out to me is limiting the influence of the outside world via the media. It’s been helpful, and while I stay updated on the world’s happenings, the small dose keeps me grounded but not depressed. Thanks, Karen!

Karen says:

“…the small dose keeps me grounded but not depressed.” Yes, Cathy! That’s a great way to express it. So grateful the truth of God’s Word brings the most comfort during uncomfortable places.

Arlene Collins says:

Such a good word for the time we are living in! Thank you!

Karen says:

So glad this encouraged you, Arlene. Our intentional choices to find true comfort; and going to the Lord as the source of all comfort, is the best antidote for coping with our present world.

God = our source of all comfort.
God’s ALL encompassing comfort = our hope & strength in times of distress, grief, and pain.
Our healing comfort = a ministry as comfort ambassadors.

Good to hear from you sweet friend.

Wonderful advice, Karen! We do need to limit our exposure to negative media and focus more on God’s Word and the comfort it brings. I love the idea that we can be ambassadors of comfort in this hurting world.
Blessings!

Karen says:

Martha, and the world is surely hurting right now. People (even believers) may look for comfort in all the wrong places…just to numb the pain that always returns and sometimes with a vengence. “Lord, we thank you for the comfort only you provide us with during our troubles in this world. Help us to give that same comfort to others. Amen.”

Thank you for these reminders Ms. Karen. I especially appreciated the reminder to limit our intake of information and consider its source. I am much better reading devotionals, studying God’s word, and spending time in fellowship with my fellow Christians than I am consuming “anti-social” media posts and negative-focused news feeds. Amen ma’am. I love your idea of being a “Comfort Ambassador.” God’s blessings ma’am.

Karen says:

J.D. I always appreciate the thought you give to your comments here. “Anti-social” media posts is a great way to define what we want to stay away from.

God’s comfort revealed “in” us passes on “through” us to others. So we receive it and then we give it out. This makes us Comfort Ambassadors.

These are great reminders of how to manage the stress of this time. Limiting social media is a challenge for Christian writers, for our readers are on social media, and at this time we connect primarily in that way. Avoiding OTHER usage times on social media would probably be a good idea when arguing and criticizing and selfishness by others weighs us down, and we simply need a break.

Receiving and giving God’s comfort is also so crucial right now. A group of women I know decided that we would meet outside under the trees with appropriate social distancing, so that we could do a Bible study together and SEE ONE ANOTHER’S FACES! This was much needed for us. Today, we met and cried together and prayed for one another and shared our hearts. The God of all comfort used these women to comfort my heart today, and I hope I comforted theirs. As always, great reminders here, Karen!

Karen says:

Melinda, you’re right about social media for us writers and bloggers. It’s tricky, but doable when we are intentional to limit our time (for even thise belongs to the Lord). And to stay intentional to “good” content…both what we put out there and what we take into our spirits. Love your outside Bible study! What a novel idea! Praise the Lord you are all comfort ambassadors for each other!

Ava James says:

Prayer is such a wonderful thing to find comfort in an uncomfortable world!

Karen says:

Ava, praying releases comfort for us and others.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and source of all our comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV)

Jessica Brodie says:

This is excellent, Karen… all of the points. I have personal recent experience with #1, too. I’m a journalist so must stay on top of things, but sometimes it burdens my heart and soul, and I have to be very careful. As you say, “Consuming too much media and the wrong kind of media fuels worry, fear and ‘what-ifs.’” It really does! I carefully consider what I read to guard my heart and mind, and I pray before I write, too, that God lead me to write what He needs and wants only.

Karen says:

Jessica, I understand how as a journalist, it’s all about media. Yet, like you mentioned, it often burdens us. I also pray before I write for God to partner with me. Guess I should pray more to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Thanks for your insight.

Yvonne Morgan says:

Very well said and great advice. Staying rooted in the word and connected to God will provide us an inner ward peace that the world can not understand. Taking our eyes off Jesus will cause us to stumble. Thanks Karen. Wonderful blog

Karen says:

Thank you, Yvonne. I like how you said, “Staying rooted in the word and connected to God will provide us an inner ward peace that the world can not understand.” So true! In the midst of discouragement or despair, God’s comfort shines through.

I definitely consume too much media; have even been toying with the idea of taking a social media break. Normally. I watch very little tv but as the covid brain fogginess continues, I find myself consuming an unhealthy amount of news. Ty for the conviction and encouragement!

Karen says:

Candice, it’s amazing to me that you still have brain fogginess from Covid. My sister-in-law dealt with chemo brain for years. I had no idea that was a side effect from Covid. So sorry. It is tempting when I’m tired or just want to chill and numb myself from dealing with stuff, to watch tv more. I’ve never been a big “news” person, but more so than ever, I’m careful about that kind of media too. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I agree with all of these. The primary one for me is keeping in God’s Word, keeping His perspective in primary. I’ve started “hiding” some of the more strident voices on social media–not that I can’t handle views from people who disagree with me, but there’s no point in hearing constant harangues from someone with no interest in understanding another’s point of view.

Karen says:

That’s a good idea, Barbara. I’ve learned how to “mute” people and conversations on social media. Like you, it’s not a matter of having a tolerance for different view points, it’s a matter of guarding my heart and mind from abusive and foolish content, and spiritual attacks.

Karen,
Great advice here. Definitely, I’ve had to limit the media intake to keep anxiety in check. Thank you for the reminder to hold onto my passion and not forget my calling in the midst of this upheaval. Great post!
Blessings,
Bev xx

Karen says:

Agree, Bev. Limiting media keeps my anxiety more at bay. “This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.” (Psalm 119:50 NASB) God bless!

Yvonne Chase says:

Hello Karen,

So nice to see you in my neck of the woods today. In addition to limiting the media I consume, what brings me great comfort is music, good worship music that speaks to my soul. Today I listened to Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship. Some of the lyrics are: “I am chosen, not forsaken, I am who he says I am. He is for me, not against me, I am who he says I am. In my Father’s house, there’s a place for me, I’m a child of God, yes I am.” Indeed yes I am. I can’t think of more comforting words!

Karen says:

It was truly nice to visit each other’s sites today, Yvonne. And I love your addition to this comforting list, worship music! Oh, yes! Me too! Love that song by Hillsong you mentioned. Such comforting and powerful words. I love the song,”The Blessing” by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe (Elevation Worship). Praying these comforting words over you:

“The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace”

Such a beautiful, heartfelt message of truth and encouragement, Karen! We must be reminded regularly to check ourselves in regards to media and social media. You explained this so well, watch the sources of our media intake and how much time we allow for this. God’s Word is eternal truth and no matter what is happening in our world, His Word will stand forever. That must be our main soul and mind-nourishment. And yes, we do need comfort. May we truly be a channel of God’s love, peace and comfort. We all need comfort. Lifting you in prayer right now, sweet sister. May you sense the Lord’s comfort over you.

Karen says:

Yes, Melissa, agree that no matter what is happening, God’s “will stand forever.” It’s a living water that feeds our mind and soul with the right nourishment. But media often feeds us death, not life, unless we are careful to manage what and how much. God bless, sister. Let’s be inentional to stand as comfort ambassadors to others!

Linda Stoll says:

Good morning, Karen …

I’m so with you on limiting the media, the endless commentaries, the 24 / 7 news cycle. It was one of the first things I did when the virus hit us and I felt my anxiety soar.

Bless you for this wise counsel!

Karen says:

I feel exactly the same way, Linda. Seems like there have been so many conflicting reports, it got to a point where we didn’t know what to believe. Not only is God the source of our comfort, but also the source of all wisdom. I’ve spent much time in prayer asking Him for wisdom.

Hi, Karen, it turns out, after all that the spiritual practices and wise behavior that carried us in “normal” time will continue to sustain us in these non-normative days. Thank you for encouragement to persevere in doing what we know is right and in reaching out to those around us.

Karen says:

Beautifully said, Michele, as always! The life of a Christ-follower should be about consistency in all seasons!

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