How to Find Comfort in an Uncomfortable World

Comfort. 

Maybe comfort’s not overrated.

Or blown out of proportion…at least in the spiritual sense.

But most of us find ourselves in an uncomfortable state. 

Because we live in a world turned topsy-turvy. And we all took a crash course we never signed up for on how to manage current life. 

Life as we know it is now uncertain and unstable.

For many of us, the uncertainty robs our joy, while fear and worry creep in. Sometimes even supercharged panic pays us a visit.

There are ways to find comfort in uncertain times and uncomfortable places.

1. Limit the media we consume.

Staying intentional about what I’m feeding my mind helps me cope with stressful circumstances.

So I limit my intake of news media and social media in what and how much. Although we sometimes hear or read heroic and positive stories, media often focuses on the negative, debates political or social issues, and leaves us in a worse mental perspective than before.

While I am not advocating to pretend real facts don’t exist, I am saying to pay close attention to the source. Since the source—articles, videos, social media posts and people—may not be credible and often present conflicting or false statements. 

And evaluate the amount of media we consume. Consuming too much media and the wrong kind of media fuels worry, fear and “what-ifs.”

Instead, I focus on reading God’s Word—the source of truth, comfort, peace and real hope.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.” (Psalm 119:50 NASB)

Consuming too much media and the wrong kind of media fuels worry, fear and “what-ifs.” Instead, focus on reading God’s Word—the source of truth, comfort, peace and real hope. #comfort Share on X

2. Build a support system.

God created us to do life together. There’s no better time to receive and give encouragement and support than when we walk the same unfamiliar and unknown path.

Support systems keep us from shouldering our burdens alone. Instead of attempts at “fixing” what’s wrong, walking shoulder-to-shoulder says, “I’m here however you need me.”

Your support system may be a group of friends, family members or online group (which is the route most of us must take these days).

Support systems are great to brainstorm, share with each other, pray for one another, and so on.

Paul wrote about the times and seasons and day of the Lord when he said, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

God created us to do life together and support each other. Instead of attempts at “fixing” what’s wrong, walking shoulder-to-shoulder says, “I’m here however you need me.” #comfort Share on X

3. Remember our life callings.

This community represents varied professions and people wearing a variety of hats in life. I’m a firm believer that we are all called and gifted to fulfill our own life purposes and roles. 

Even though some vocations are more affected during this current pandemic than others, we each decide to remember what initially brought us to the place where we serve.

Have we forgotten our first love? Have we lost the perspective of pursuing what we’re passionate about with a passion? 

Yes, things are miles away from our old “normal.” Yet, we decide whether we are flexible, inventive, follow mandates, compliant, and so on. 

It’s not easy, it’s hard. But the dreams of our heart and our callings remain.

Still further, we choose to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV). And remind each other “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29 ESV) 

4. Receive and give God’s comfort.

In my opinion, comfort’s never overrated. Seriously, most of us like comfort. Such as a bed when we need to rest. Or how food comforts our empty stomach.

However, the deeper issues of physical illness, emotional stress, and the hardships we face on this earth often throw us out of our comfort zone—head first or by the seat of our pants—either end is daunting.

But in the midst of discouragement or despair, God’s comfort shines through.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and source of all our comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT, emphasis added)

God’s comfort revealed in us passes on through us to others. So we receive it and then we give it out.

God's comfort revealed "in" us passes on "through" us to others. So we receive it and then we give it out. This makes us Comfort Ambassadors. #comfort Share on X

Comfort Ambassadors

This makes us comfort ambassadors. Who are you currently a comfort ambassador to? Who has given you God’s comfort? 

And which of the four ways spoke the most to you or what would you add?

Another thing that brings me comfort is prayer. So if you missed it, read last week’s post, The Prayer I Prayed Over 5000 Times.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Literacy Musings/Tell His Story/Purposeful Faith/Recharge Wednesday/Worth Beyond Rubies/Tune in Thursday/Heart Encouragement/Embracing the Unexpected and Faith On Fire.

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© 2020 Karen Friday, All rights reserved