Life had been crazy. Good things, hard things, bad things all whirling together. Sorrow, anger, contemplation, discussions, insights, pain, growth, stripping away, reliance, understanding. All were part of this time of testing, trial, growth.
Then came calm. The storm had passed. Relief and rest. Ahhhh.
But now, what is this feeling of discontent, disconnection, aimlessness? What now?
Rest is good. The calm after the storm brings relief and reflection. To remain in this place sounds so good, well deserved. So, why the discomfort? What is causing the staleness?
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
2 Corinthians 1:4
I have been been comforted. Now I must give it away.
During the storm I clung to the Lord. I found His arms wrapped tightly around me, holding me, carrying me, guiding me in the way to go. His Words brought Light and Life. His Spirit gave Counsel, Wisdom, Strength.
In my emptiness I had been filled. But I have not been created to be a storage jar, to sit on a shelf filled with the goodness of God. I have been created for use by my Creator. He has fashioned me to be used for His glory... to comfort as I have been comforted.
Fresh water comes in, fills and moves on. It has to keep moving to remain fresh. Stagnant water fills and sits and becomes poison. I must pour out what I receive. I must keep being filled and keep pouring out.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing me through the storm. Thank you for using the storm to teach me, once again, to rely on you, not myself. Thank you for bringing me comfort. Pour me out, Lord. Help me to comfort others as I have been comforted.
This morning's reading was 2 Corinthians 1:1-11.
1 comment:
I loved the visual I had of this-savoring the place of being in the arms of the great comforter-not wanting to leave-I just loved that because it also embrace the storm. It seems contradictory, but you're right there's a place of tremendous comfort there-but then realizing I need to go out and do the same and that feeling of letting go but then giving to someone else what Christ has given to me...just beautiful! and humbling!
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