Getting Comfortable in An Uncomfortable Season

We all desire comfort. On planes we like to have as much leg room as possible. In hotels we desire the heavenly bed experience (The Westin has the best mattresses). We live to drive around in the roomy interior of a car. At the theatre we prefer an unobstructed view of the screen or stage. Comfort is ideal in all parts of life's experiences. But the 24 hour/7 day comfort we wish for just doesn't exist. 

However, there is some discomfort we will tolerate. We walk in uncomfortable shoes, not because we love pain (well most of us), but because we love the look of the shoe on our foot. We will squeeze ourselves on a crowded train because we know its the quickest mode of transportation in a crowded city. We will sit in the worse seat ever just to hear our favorite artist. We will even stay at a job or in a relationship way past the expiration date because of the comfort of the known the environment creates. 

But, there is even another way we find ourselves experiencing discomfort; a way we aren't so willing to embrace, it is found in our walk with God. Not each day is a bed of roses. Not each moment is filled with an uncontrollable praise to the heavens. The sun is not always shining on our designated and divinely designed path of faith. Some days and sometimes, this faith walk thing gets beyond uncomfortable and even leans towards becoming unbearable. But, God. God is at the center of it all. And, he is asking that we not bear it, but rather rest comfortably in it. Excuse me? Right....I feel you asking: We are to rest in comfort while experiencing this uncomfortable season in our life? We are to find a bright spot in this dark season? Yep!

God has given us the gift of peace and taken from us the burden of worry, anxiety and distress. God has given us beautiful roses and removed the thorns. He speaks to the gift of peace and directs us to embrace peace throughout the Bible.

Isaiah 26:3: 

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

Isaiah 54:10: 

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Matthew 11:28-30: 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

John 14:27: 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 16:33: 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

1 Corinthians 14:33:

"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace."

2 Thessalonians 3:16:

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."

This season of discomfort is not permanent reality, but the lessons and development it creates is. So #joinme in finding comfort and peace within the uncomfortable season life creates. Relax in knowing that God has already taken on our burdens and battles and in the end we win, for ALL things work together for our good and His glory. (Romans 8:28) 

Walk in faith. Live in love.