Carolyn Larsen - Words of Comfort for Women

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I SAIAH 41:10

F ear, defeat, and hopelessness can make you feel alone. It may seem like no one understands how constant and oppressing your emotions are. Ugh. If only someone really got it and would just be with you. They might not be able to solve your problem, but you wouldnt feel so alone if someone was with you. A friends presence would be such a comfort.

Heres some great newsyoure not alone. Ever. God promised to be with you all the time. Not only that, he also promised to give you the strength to make it through all youre dealing with. He doesnt just show up when you have a problem; hes with you all the time. That means nothing takes him by surprise. So, when life gets messy and you feel like you cant hold on, keep putting one foot in front of the other. One day youll realize that things are better. Youll realize that you made it because God was quietly walking beside you, and each time you needed a boost of strength, energy, or hope, he gave it. Each time you needed a spiritual hug or pat on the back, he gave it. His presence brings comfort, strength, hope, and perseverance just when you need it.

When Youre Weary

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

M ATTHEW 11:28

Y ou know what Scripture says... the ways that God instructs you to live in obedience to him and in community with others. Sure, you know. You do try to obey what Scripture teaches. But face it... living the Christian life is not a one and done thing. Its a journey. That means there are days of excellent success and days when you stumble. The longer you follow God, the more discouraged you feel when you fail to be obedient. After all, you dont want to disappoint God, and of course, youre trying your best. Your hearts desire is to truly live for him so that you become more and more like Christ.

Whats Gods response to your failures? Does he give up on you? Not at all! God understands the temptations and struggles you face. He knows that Satan constantly tempts you to turn away from God. He knows you need an oasis in the desert of temptation, and he offers himself as a place of comfort and rest. He invites you to come to him, so tell him what youre struggling against. Give it to him, and trust him to get you through it.

One Step at a Time

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

C OLOSSIANS 3:2

W orry, pray, worry, stress, worry, obsess, pray, stress... you know the cycle. Your mind locks onto something, and you cant think about anything else. So you worry, stress, and pray, then go right back to worrying and stressing. Why doesnt God do something? Thats the million-dollar question. Is he paying attention? Yes. Doesnt he care about whats going on? Yes. Why doesnt he fix things? He will.

Recently a mother was angry on her childs behalf. Her son had been the victim of some very bad treatment and he was suffering emotionally. The mother obsessed about why God allowed this to happen. Why didnt he turn things around for her precious child? She was looking for answers and comfort from God.

Late one dark night, God spoke into that moms heart: Take comfort. I know that whats happened is hard, but its just step one. Theres more ahead. From then on, when worry threatened to overwhelm her, she focused her thoughts on Gods promises. She remembered his love. She believed that he wasnt finished with the plans for her childs future. Gods step-by-step plan brought her great comfort.

Never give in to despair; instead remember Gods promises. Wait patiently for his step-by-step plan to develop.

Where Does Comfort Come From?

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

2 T HESSALONIANS 2:1617

S ometimes life is just plain hard. A job loss, an investment failure, health issues, broken relationships, a prodigal child... and on and on. Some things are so painful that you may feel you simply cant make it and that this will be the thing that breaks you.

Your help, strength, and comfort will come from God. You know that. But the thing about God is that he wont force his way into your spirit or change your attitude. He will wait for you to ask for his help and comfort. Now, he may not take the problem away, but he will be right beside you as you go through it. He will guide you, strengthen you, teach you, and comfort you. Its important to pay attention to the ways God comforts you. His comfort may come through a calming of your spirit. It may come through a timely encouraging phone call from a friend or through a loved one simply sitting with you. Remember, especially in dark times, that God loves you. He wants to help you with the pain, loneliness, and stress of today and tomorrow. Call on him. Hes waiting, and he will help.

Wheres Your God Place?