Comfy?

My husband laughs at me and shakes his head because, even though we’ve had our current mattress for many years, I still snuggle in at night, pull the big fluffy down comforter up to my chin, sigh and say in a dreamy voice, “I love my bed.” It’s just that it’s so cozy and comfortable and I don’t take it for granted. I enjoy comfort like this. During these cold winter months, I love to snuggle up with a soft blanket near the fireplace. A warm cup of coffee in my hands makes it even better.

So what makes us aware of comfort? The fact is, if we didn’t experience discomfort we likely would not recognize what being comfortable even means. It’s kind of like the weather. Most of us Minnesotans can’t wait for the warm glow of the sun to usher in longer days, warmer temps and a return to shorts weather. But if we didn’t go through the harsh winter, would we have such awareness of that pleasantness?

In this life we experience many ups and downs. Thankfully, there are times of calm and contentment when we can say life is comfortable. But then the storms come. Scripture tells us we should be thankful in every situation. That’s perhaps difficult at times, but if it weren’t for the difficulties I don’t think we’d recognize the blessings. Comfort brings contentment and happiness. But Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11 that he had learned to be content in any circumstances. He was certainly not physically comfortable much of the time, having been in prison and persecuted for his faith. So despite the physical circumstances that can bring comfort, we can have a deeper contentment–a knowing that all is well because God is good and we have an eternal hope.

It is commonly said that happiness is circumstantial whereas joy is a deeper abiding state of the heart and soul. That is why it says in Nehemiah 8:10 that “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” We wouldn’t need that strength if everything was comfy all the time.

My point in all this, friends, is that we should not shy away from the tough times. Enjoy comfort when it comes. And be thankful for it. But also be thankful for the difficulties, because those are the things that will refine us. “…We rejoice also in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope.” (Romans 5:3) I don’t wish to minimize the horrific and tragic events that some of us go through due to no fault of our own. At times, our hearts are so broken and the pain is very real. At times like this, can we like Job declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth…I myself will see him with my own eyes–I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19: 25, 27)

I wish to point out that the kind of trouble I’m referring to in this writing is not trouble we bring on ourselves. Sometimes we create our own seasons of discomfort and trials due to our own wrongdoings. I don’t think that was the kind of circumstances to which Paul was referring. And just a word to the wise: If you are living such a comfortable life that you have no challenges, no moments of helplessness; if you are self-sufficient and feel easily equipped for all that comes your way, I challenge you to consider how you are living your life. Are you letting others in? Are reaching out to those around you and sharing the hope of Jesus with them? Are you stepping out into challenging areas that may be new to you but to which you feel called? I believe we are meant to live life on the edge a bit. We should take some risks–not foolish ones, mind you. (At my age, I am not going to attempt any of the Olympic events that I have been watching all week.) I believe we are called to get out of our comfort zones for the sake of the Gospel. If we never have to rely on the Lord, our faith will remain weak.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the comforts around us. Some are physical and some are comforts we feel within. What a gift from God! So, join me in snuggling up in a soft, cozy blanket during one of these cold days. Grab a cup of something warm. And perhaps reach for the best reminder of the comfort and contentment we can experience despite our circumstances–a Bible–the Word of God.