The other day I really needed comfort from God. I went into my devotional time with the hope that God would meet my need. So, as I opened up my Bible, I was expecting to read some hope-filled verses.
I must admit that I was slightly disappointed when the passage before me was all about praising God.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I really enjoyed the verses, and ended up praising God. What happened next though was surprising. My praise turned into comfort. As I was sitting there rejoicing in who God was and how much He loved me, I started to rest in Him and His ways. Before I knew it, the circumstances that were weighing me down just faded into the background. Praising God for His attributes and His work in my life helped me to know that I would be well cared for.
A few days later I was listening to a song by a Christian recording artist Ellie Holcomb. Her words beautifully capture how God works in us as we adore Him.
It’s not the news that any of us hoped that we would hear
It’s not the road we would have chosen, no
The only thing that we can see is darkness up ahead
But You’re asking us to lay our worry down and sing a song instead
[Chorus]
And I didn’t know I’d find You here
In the middle of my deepest fear, but
You are drawing near
You are overwhelming me, with peace
So I’ll lift my voice and sing
You’re gonna carry us through everything
You are drawing near
You’re overwhelming all my fears, with peace
[Verse 2]
You say that I should come to You with everything I need
You’re asking me to thank You even when the pain is deep
You promise that You’ll come and meet us on the road ahead
And no matter what the fear says, You give me a reason to be glad
Here in the middle of the lonely night
Here in the middle of the losing fight, You’re
Here in the middle of the deep regret
Here when the healing hasn’t happened yet
Here in the middle of the desert place
Here in the middle when I cannot see Your face
Here in the middle with Your outstretched arms
You can see my pain and it breaks Your heart
Rejoice, rejoice
Don’t have to worry ’bout a single thing, ’cause
You are overwhelming me with, peace!
Don’t have to worry ’bout a single thing
You’re gonna carry us through everything
Overwhelming peace
For Jesus,
Rob