UNCERTAIN TIMES

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

~ John 14:18 KJV

In times of uncertainty, we look for someone to tell us that we’re going to be okay. We need comfort. We want assurance we’re going to make it to the other side and be better for it.

GRANDMOTHER

For me, that woman was my grandmother. And according to my recollection, she was a towering woman. Not because she was a giant in size, although she was ample, but because her faith moved mountains.

Throughout my childhood and young adult years, I received comfort from seeing her in her familiar oversized brown chair with the Bible sprawled open on her full lap. If Jesus had a phone, I think she would have had His direct number. I’m sure all His angelic staff would have received a memo: “If Rose calls, put her through!” Her connection was one I’ve rarely encountered.

In difficult seasons of pain, heartbreak, loss, or uncertainty, I ran to her for advice, comfort, and prayer. I shared my burdens with her more times than I can remember.

Lately, I’ve found myself wanting to run to my grandmother again. I feel overwhelmed, and this feeling threatens to swallow me. I feel uncertain about the future, as do many others. If we’re not struggling with issues regarding our families, our health, or our emotions, all we must do is turn on the news for a few seconds to realize we’ve entered a perilous season like never before in our society.

In the middle of my fears, I’ve longed to hear my grandmother say, “I’ve prayed, and God has told me it’s going to be alright.” My grandmother went to heaven many years ago, and I can no longer hear her voice.

One night, as overwhelming uncertainties threatened to drown me and worship music played softly in the background, I cried out to God for comfort: “Dear Lord, I need to feel Your nearness. Just let me know You are here.” Immediately, I felt His presence envelop me with comfort, peace, and assurance that only He can control.

JOHN 14

Perhaps I experienced a bit of what the disciples felt in John 14. Jesus spoke with them before His impending death. Their Master, on whom they had relied for help and guidance, was leaving. They would no longer be able to physically see, touch, or hear Him.

Yet, Jesus offers a promise: He “will not leave (them) as orphans.” He planned to send them a Helper, which was the Holy Spirit (John 14:18, 26 ESV).

As He did for the disciples, Christ still offers us the comfort, guidance, reassurance, and direction we need through the same Holy Spirit. This promise offers much hope.

Although times come when I have no one on this earth to run to for comfort, I can run to the One who holds ultimate peace. Because of Him, I am never alone. He is my Helper, Deliverer, Encourager, and Friend.

THE COMFORTER

Remember this same Jesus holds out hope for us. He offers His promise never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5 ESV). We are His children, and He whispers in our ears, “It’s going to be alright!”

How has God helped you in times of uncertainty?

Heavenly Father, when it seems the world around me is changing by the minute, remind me that You never change. Fill me with Your peace and wrap me in Your grace. Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: We Need Comfort: Rosann Coulon: All Rights Reserved