Finding Peace in Our Comforter
Have you ever had a conversation with someone that just grieves your heart to its very core? I had one of those conversations with a close friend recently. I have discussed my faith with this friend before and she has taken notice of certain aspects of my life, including peace in difficult circumstances that can only come from God. She has witnessed the transformation of others and affirms as a believer. However, she struggles to trust that God’s Word applies to her current situation. I so desperately want this friend to understand trust and dependence on God is the missing link she is so desperately searching for.
Friends, this is such a tough situation to be in. When we have been in this friend’s shoes and found our way out of the pit, we want to offer the same lifeline to others. But the difficulty lies in our inability to make them grasp the rope. We can look into the pit, remember what it was like to be there ourselves, and offer the rope. But we can’t make them grab onto it.
When we can’t help, turn to the One who can.
I found myself reflecting on this several nights ago and crying out to God to please remove the scales from her eyes, remove the barrier of pride, to basically do whatever it takes for this friend to experience the peace of God. There is nothing like the peace of God in our difficult circumstances and I want so desperately for this friend to experience this. My heart was broken that she did not have this peace when it seemed to be within reach, right there for her taking.
I wanted so desperately for someone to understand what I was feeling for her. I felt so alone and somewhat silly for grieving the lack of peace for this friend to the extent that I did. Why did I feel so strongly about this? Did I not trust God to do what I know He could do?
Prayer puts us into communication with God
While I was praying for this friend with tears on my cheeks, I was reminded of an Easter several years ago when I felt the unexplainable peace of God. I had walked through a very difficult week wrestling with a major decision. I was not at peace with any of my available options. This prompted me to recall the day I was first made aware of a need for this particular decision, which was Palm Sunday. Then I felt the nudge. Open your Bible and read about that particular day, Palm Sunday. I found it in Luke 19 and began to read. When I got to verse 41, I was astounded.
“But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.” – Luke 19:41 NLT
Now let me be careful not to take this out of context. Jesus was approaching Jerusalem and weeping that they did not accept the peace He came to offer. He also states it was now hidden from them. We have to be careful to keep this part in context understanding the reference to Jesus being not recognized as the Messiah at that time. It in no way implies there is not hope for our loved ones who have not yet been awakened to the peace of God or that our prayers are futile. We are told in 1 Timothy 2 verses 1-4 to “continue praying for all people, interceding for their behalf as this is pleasing to God who wants everyone to be saved and understand the truth.”
Don’t miss this!
But please don’t miss what happened here. God answered the plea of my grieving heart for understanding by showing me He himself had felt this type of sorrow on behalf of others before. It no longer mattered that others did not understand my sadness, Jesus understood it perfectly! He had also weeped and grieved for those missing out on the offering of His peace. Jesus has felt the same emotions we feel, experienced the same frustrations and temptations, and yet continued to walk forward in obedience to His calling.
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” – John 14:18 KJV
Provider of Comfort
I don’t know about you, but this provides so much comfort for me. When I desperately needed someone to understand, He came through. Jesus was there through His Word to comfort me and say, “I understand and I have been there.” If you feel the prompting to read something I encourage you, do not hesitate as God is waiting to communicate with you. He has the answers and the comfort we are looking for. He knows just how to direct us when we ask.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” – John 14:26 ESV
I will continue praying for my dear friend, who is fully aware of everything written here and I hope you too will be comforted by God’s Word when you find yourself in a similar situation. Never forget that God knows. He knows how you feel, he shares in your grief. He sees you.
The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sit enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. – Psalms 33: 13-15 ESV
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