Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 CSB
COMFORT: My One Word 2021
Last year my one word was simplicity, and I must confess I didn’t get very far with it. But we are definitely making progress on it this year, and I will continue reaching for that goal little by little.
Because I didn’t do so well with my word last year I wasn’t going to have one for this year. Then late in December in a group on Facebook someone asked about the one word 2021. So I began to think about it again.
Before long I had a word that I wasn’t even looking for – comfort. As I continued to think about it, I began to see it often in my reading. Specifically, I thought of God’s comfort, because He has comforted me through the Bible and through friends and family.
GOD’S COMFORT IN GRIEF
Many of you probably know that near the end of 2019, our 29 year old son lost his battle with muscular dystrophy and congestive heart failure. I had experienced grief before in the loss of my parents and grandparents, but the loss of a son was so much worse.
Without God’s comfort that came as I spent time in the Psalms and in prayer, I would have had a much harder time. But He gave me a peace that calmed my soul and enabled me to even find joy as I realized that my son was now with his Savior. And many friends showed much love and care, especially in those first weeks.
COMFORT IN NATURE
It’s comforting to know that the God who created the world also upholds and sustains it. We know that day always follows night, and the seasons change each year just as He planned.
As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease. Genesis 8:22 CSB
When I get a chance to see a sunrise or a sunset, I am always amazed at the beauty. And I remember our Creator and His great artistry. Even this comforts me as I know this great God also loves and cares for me.
GOD’S COMFORT OVERFLOWS
As I shared my one word with my dear friend, Bettie, she pointed out something I had not thought of. She reminded me that through my writing and art, God’s comfort was flowing through me to bring encouragement to others. And I reminded her of what an encouragement she had also been to me.
As brothers and sisters in Christ, we all can give comfort to each other as we ourselves receive God’s comfort. It’s really an illustration of the verse I shared at the beginning of this post.
In the body of Christ, as we share love and kindness, we are also sharing the comfort and love of God. We remind each other of the hope we find as we trust in the One who created us and died for us.
How about you? Did you choose a word to focus on this year? I have to confess I had forgotten all about my word until I saw the One Word 2021, March linkup at Lisa notes. I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
I’m linking up with: One Word 2021 Linkup – March.
I think my word changes every day. God gives me a new word each day. 🙂 I love how we can find comfort in His creations. Beautiful sunsets, mountain views, sounds of laughter, and so much more.
I like the idea of focusing on a different word each day, Melissa. It can really open our eyes to more ways God is working. Yes, nature does bring such comfort, knowing that God created all of it. There really are a lot of things that bring us comfort when we know the Lord. Blessings to you, dear Melissa! xo
Dear Gayl, It is so amazing to me how so often God allows us to share comfort just when we ourselves need it the most! You are such a blessing as you share the comfort you have been given. I love the sunrise and sunset photos you share. They really do speak so deeply of God’s constant care for us. Thank you for being God’s comfort to me! Love & hugs!
Bettie, I agree that it’s amazing how God uses us to encourage and comfort each other even when we’re in need of comfort, too. And we all find comfort in Him. Thank you for always encouraging me and pointing me to Jesus. You are such a blessing. Much love and many blessings, dear sister! xoxo
Bettie is so right. God’s comfort flows so richly through you, Gayl. I cannot imagine the depth of your grief, in missing your precious Stephen, daily. I am so thankful God continues to comfort and uplift you through it all. Sending love and hugs from afar xxx
Thank you so much, dear Anna. Your prayers and cards have been such an encouragement to me and brought comfort. I’m so glad God made our paths cross and that we can pray for and encourage each other. Much love and blessings! xoxo
Oh, I would hate to think of missing out on you writing this post, so I’m so thankful you saw the reminder and wrote this down for us, Gayl. It does give me comfort to hear that you were able to find joy again after the loss of your son (although it also makes me cry to think of the grief you also must bear). Thank you for sharing this here and for linking with the One Word community at the linkup!
The photos are beautiful. I remember enjoying the beauty of your beach trip when you also shared photos on Instagram. A friend’s son is getting married at the beach in a few weeks so we’ll go down at least for a few days. I’m ready!
Lisa, thank you so much for you empathy and your encouragement. I’m glad you enjoyed my beach photos. 🙂 Thank you for reminding me that I had actually chosen a word.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy your beach trip! Blessings and hugs! xo
I’m sad for the loss of your precious son and I pray that you will continue to find God’s comfort in the midst of the journey. I’m thankful that your friend “pointed out something I had not thought of. She reminded me that through my writing and art, God’s comfort was flowing through me to bring encouragement to others.”
Thank you, Lisa, and thank you for your prayers. At times it is hard, but God does still bring comfort on this grief journey. Thank you for your encouraging comment. Blessings to you!
How amazing to be living a year in the comfort of God’s love! I look forward to more posts on your adventure.
I hope to be able to write more on comfort from God throughout the year. Praying He will make me aware of ways that I might miss along the journey. Thank for visiting. Blessings to you, Barb!
Gayl, I love you so much. You are a constant comfort. And it makes me so happy to know that you are friends from your “salad days,” as they call them, with my aunt whom I have never met.
Oh, dear Shelby, I love you, too. You are inspiration to me and such an encourager and prayer warrior. Yes, Sandra and I were friends as teens in church, and I’m happy to be in touch with her again via facebook. 🙂 Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo