Affirmation of God: The LORD is with me and He comforts me.

Ahhhh, true comfort, can you picture in your mind your most comfortable slippers, chair or sofa? What has given you that Ahhhh feeling? Don’t you love the simple pleasures where it just feels right? Feels comfy?

I have been missing my intimacy with God and my treasure hunting affirmation time after working for 23 straight days at an average of 13-14 hours a day. I do not tell you that for sympathy but for what the God has revealed to me in that.

1. I am too old for this! I turned 50 during this stretch and do not find ANY comfort in this job or what it does for me and my family.
2. I found my new most favorite comfy spot on the earth.
3. Our LORD is so faithful even when we don’t give Him the time of day.

I was taken to Psalm 23 this morning; you know the one that talks about lying down in green pastures and walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Did you know that chapter is only SIX verses? Short, simple, life changing and a reminder that God is with us and that He comforts us.

Can I ask you as you recall your most comfortable objects, can it really be that simple? When you pictured in your mind your most comfortable ___________, was it elaborate or complicated? Were your slippers or furniture a little beaten up around the edges or is this a brand new thing for you?

After ten days living on the road I was able to return home for the last half of this project I was working on and I found out something. I found the warmest most comfortable place in the world, for me. I do NOT tell you this to be some kind of Pharisee but to encourage you to either find one or be extremely grateful to the LORD for what you have.

Due to my long physical work hours on most days I have NEGLECTED my quiet time. Most nights I returned late and had to return too early the next morning to put in my normal affirmation time. At some point in the stretch I thought I don’t have time to seek God’s affirmations or write my blog but LORD I haven’t even really been praying to you except in moments. So this particular morning I went to my prayer “closet” This closet is in my basement and isn’t really a closet, it is an unfinished nook with a bunch of shelving and junk on a hard cracked cement foundation.

In this closet I had placed two or three Big Lots bathroom rugs a while back that I had purchased for some games with students. Then it happened. That morning when I didn’t have time for God I thought I could at least kneel and praise Him for a few seconds before I ran out the door. I have to tell you those inexpensive rugs on that hard concrete floor felt like the most comfortable place I have been, EVER. There was a feeling a deep peace and feeling of comfort that I was warm and at peace in the LORD’s comfort. Right there, right then, God reminded me of His comfort and although I had traveled far He was still there and on my knees there I could actually feel His comfort physically, spiritually and emotionally.

I have been aching to return to God’s place of comfort in my home ever since. How can I get up and run out the door without seeking Him there? I don’t know, crazy but I do. I finished the hard part of my project yesterday and found this spot again this morning. LORD I am sorry I turned away from you and in my busyness I ran past Your comfort. Thank you for your faithfulness and for making this sooooo simple. Really, a pause of just a few seconds with Him, a safe place, a little faith. I believe He is my comfort because I have experienced a comfort in HIM I have found in no other place, thing or person. It’s that simple. Find your spot, kneel and praise Him and see what comfort you feel.  I feel such peace and such comfort that whether I am aware of His presence or not He is with me and He wants to give me His comfort. If only I will slow down and pause long enough to experience it. Do you have a special place where you have found this comfort?

Thank you LORD, you overwhelm me with your love and for making this so simple.

Tom Raines

Christian Affirmations 4 Life