313 – Prayer Can Be Comforting

#faithbites #faithjourney comforting

Last night I stayed up a little too late. When I finally fell asleep I had some very powerful and disturbing nightmares. While I can’t remember exactly what it was about, I knew that it stayed with me. Waking up in a sweat, I didn’t feel good, and my heart was racing. I was felt alone and powerless. I then started to pray to God for peace and to calm me down. Through deep breathes and prayer, I calmed down and fell back asleep. When I woke up, I still felt a bit uneasy but I didn’t feel as alone anymore.

So many times we pray for material things or guidance. I often pray for compassion and insight as well. The act of praying for comfort and healing for myself isn’t something I do often. The act of praying is one thing but having that feeling of comfort wash over me was so welcome and unexpected. Prayer is an amazing gift: Call it a hug from God.

Scripture

• Even though I walk
      through the darkest valley,
  I will fear no evil,
      for you are with me;
  your rod and your staff,
      they comfort me.- Psalm 23:4
• And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. – John 14:16-17

Reflection

I fear no evil as you are with me with your rod and your staff. Having the ability to call to God and know he is there no matter what eases my soul. There are many times when it seems like prayers are unanswered: promotions, wealth, employment, relationships, and more. Most of the times though you may not be listening to God or waiting for the right time. The prayers of comfort are unique in my opinion as they can be instantaneous. The calling for “another advocate” who will help you and be with you forever is answered almost immediately.

As one who suffers with anxiety, I have times when my world seems out of whack. Lately, more times than not. Being lost in this world is scary and can be downright terrifying. So many of life’s day to day challenges, leave us with a sense of dread, not belonging, not being good enough, or just not getting it. It’s in these times when a Hug from God can really bolster and provide much needed comforting.

I can’t control my dreams. I can’t control how others act toward me. What I can do though is ask for the comforting hand of God on my heart when I feel lost, confused, and unimportant.

Charge

Do you pray regularly? If so, what do you pray for? If not, is there a reason that you aren’t? In your prayers do you ever ask for comfort for yourself? When the world is loud and you feel unimportant, reach to God and pray. Pray for him to calm your nerves, soothe your hearth, and eas your mind.

Lord, help me in my suffering. Take away the pain and sense of isolation, loneliness, and lack of self-worth. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. Allow him to calm my nerves, slow my breathing, and relax my mind.