Seeking Comfort

Photo Credit: Kyaw Tun

(By Heather Marshall)

I sat down at my desk after a long morning of patient care on the rehabilitation unit of the hospital where I work, when my eye spied the basket of chocolate bars and chips that my colleague keeps stocked for days like this. 

I thought to myself, “It’s been a long, hard morning, and I deserve a treat — something to comfort me and make me feel better.” I took a chocolate bar, and it tasted delicious; however, about an hour later, I felt sluggish, and the comfort I had sought so easily had dissipated.

You see, that was not true comfort. The chocolate, while enjoyable, was just a substitute for where I should be seeking true solace: My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While God has given us many good things to enjoy, He wants us to turn to Him to fulfill the needs of our heart.

Jesus instructs His followers on managing stress: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT).

My mind knows that I need to turn to Jesus when my emotions are volatile, yet sometimes that feels difficult. In those moments, I crave immediate physical comfort.

I think the believers in Thessalonica understood this feeling well. They lived under severe persecution, and the apostle Paul wrote them a letter to encourage them in the Lord and remind them of Jesus’s imminent return.

Paul recognized that it is human nature to seek comfort in physical and tangible experiences, such as emotional eating, substance use, or illicit relationships. He therefore cautioned them to be holy, to control their own bodies, and to live in holiness and honor (1 Thessalonians 4:4).

Although the things we turn to for comfort may not necessarily be sinful, very often they are not beneficial for our bodies and overall health. And when we turn to these things for comfort instead of to God, we will be sorely disappointed.

So, how can we find lasting peace in stressful times without resorting to fleeting sources of comfort?

Remember Who You Are.

At the beginning of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds them of their identity in God’s eyes: “We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people” (1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT).

Friend, YOU are God’s person, and YOU are loved by Him.

When your emotions begin to rise, take a deep breath and say, “I am God’s,” then breathe out and say, “He loves me.” Repeat this as often as necessary; taking a moment for this truth will bring you peace.

Remember You Are Not Alone.

Paul shows his love for the Thessalonians, treating them as a father would his children (1 Thessalonians 2:8, 11). He was so concerned for their well-being that he sent Timothy to support them, encourage their faith, and protect them from being shaken by their troubles (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3).

It’s easy to feel isolated during difficult times, but that’s why God places us in community with fellow believers in local churches.

When your emotions overwhelm you, reach out to a trusted believer. Ask for a hug or a chat over a cup of coffee, and allow their love — and the love of God through them — to comfort your heart.

Remember That This Will NOT Last Forever.

The Thessalonians were known for their anticipation of the Lord’s return. Paul noted, “And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment” (1 Thessalonians 1:10 NLT).

They kept the endgame in mind, which allowed them to view their present difficulties as temporary and minor compared to the glorious future that awaited them.

Adopting this future-oriented mindset, will also help us manage our present-day trials.

Remember to Be Joyful and Never Stop Praying.

Joy despite circumstances is a deep-seated sense of well-being that stems from our relationship with God and His presence in our lives. We access His presence through prayer and are instructed to pray continually.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT).

Even in the midst of a difficult interaction with a patient or their family, I can whisper a prayer and seek God’s peace. I don’t need that piece of chocolate to comfort me. Friend, this same joy and peace can be yours, even during your challenging days.

While it's easy to seek comfort in fleeting pleasures, true solace comes from our relationship with God. By remembering our identity in Him, staying connected with our community, maintaining a hopeful perspective, and nurturing a spirit of joy and prayer, we can find enduring peace amidst life's challenges. Let us lean on our faith, knowing that in every situation, God offers us the comfort and strength we truly need.