Comforting Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 has always been a favorite scripture of mine, as you may have guessed by the theme that is set in the title of my blog. These scriptures, set in a seldom read book of the Bible, have provided comfort for me many times throughout the years.

It was especially comforting to me after my father died. Even though I had not been walking with the Lord at that time, I instinctively turned to the scriptures for comfort. To me, these scriptures say that no matter what is happening in your life, it will pass, and change - or transition - will come. Like the rainbow behind the clouds, better times will come.

I was devastated when my father died. His death pretty much brought me to my knees, but it also brought about unexpected changes in my life. I hadn't been living the life of a Christian for many years, but at the ripe old age of forty-two, I started thinking about my own mortality. I often pondered the fact that if I was to die in my present state of living, I would die without hope. Sometimes it really scared me to think about it, and I would actually tell God to leave me alone. Because of His love for me, He just couldn't do that. For eight years, the Holy Spirit "nagged" at me, until I finally gave up and decided to give God a chance!

What wondrous surprises He had in store for me! What awesome changes He made in my life! This "strong" person who had lived behind walls of protection for many, many years, cried like a baby for the first time since childhood, when God tore those walls down. He showed me that it was okay to trust Him and give all my pain and sorrow to Him. He would never abuse me, or abandon me. He really was different. I really could depend on Him. He would be there for me at all hours of the day and night, every day of the year! Wow! I had never known that kind of dependability from anyone in my whole life!

I had spent my whole life having to work for everything I got. In my world, if love was available, it was conditional. God showed me that His love is not only everlasting, but unconditional. Now how much better can it get than that?!

Life has become so much easier and simpler for me with God at my helm. If I am hurting or sick, and need to be comforted, He is always there. If I'm having happy times, He's there to share those too! No more stressing about decisions, because He makes all my decisions now, and He's never wrong! If I need words of cheer or comfort, He leads me to the portion of His Word that I need.

The life of a Christian is not carefree, but it is certainly a simpler life, with twenty-four hour support, and the Lord has all the answers for all my questions. He has all the love and comfort and strength that I could ever need!

He's my Best Friend!

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28