When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. – (Psalm 94:19, HCSB)
I was very worried and upset, but You comforted me and made me happy! – (Psalm 94:19, ERV)
When I was upset and beside myself, You calmed me down and cheered me up. – (Psalm 94:19, MSG)
When anxiety overtakes me and worries are many, Your comfort lightens my soul. – (Psalm 94:19, VOICE)
The psalmist who penned this Psalm knew and understood the nature of God, individually; personally. Throughout time, this has remained true. Whenever we worry, find ourselves anxious or upset, or become overwhelmed with cares, as we slow down and seek the Lord, He brings us comfort and joy, even in the midst of circumstances that are not ideal. God is good and loving and kind, and He provides comfort in our cares and peace in our spaces of unrest. His love has brought joy in the midst of horrible situations.
A few years ago, my mom suffered a massive stroke. The circumstances and situation surrounding it were devastating. However, God made a way for me to be with her and to spend the first few months following the incident with her. He brought joy and laughter to us both, even in the most challenging of circumstances. We were able to delight in simple things, and His goodness and grace were overwhelmingly apparent. It has been a roller coaster of a road to recovery ever since, but all the while, God has brought comfort and joy to us all each step of the way.
May we ever look to the Lord when we feel our cares compounding, for He is faithful to meet us in our moments, as He shows us His goodness and love, and comforts us with true joy that comes from Him alone.
The Lord brings comfort,
When chaos surrounds;
He’s peace that’s present,
And love that astounds.
God grants us His joy,
In the midst of pain;
He lightens our load,
And shows us He reigns.
When worry creeps in,
And peace slips away;
Seek the Lord Jesus,
For He is the way.
The way to know joy,
When it seems so far;
His love overwhelms,
Wherever we are.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You meet us in our chaos and anxiety and bring us comfort and joy. Thank You that You are our peace in all things and at all times. Forgive us for allowing our circumstances to flood our hearts with anxiousness and fear. Teach us to turn to You in all things, and to trust You to lead us through with Your goodness and strength. Show us how to love those around us well, so that we might be bearers of joy and comfort in challenging times. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in all things and at all times, knowing that You alone are our source of comfort and joy. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones. – Isaiah 49:13
Revelations In Writing 