Seeking consolation in our struggles

receiving holy comfort

God’s unfailing love is our greatest comfort when trouble strikes. And it will. Because we live in a hostile, pain-filled, broken world which messes with our lives, our hearts and minds. 

Eternal Divine Love infuses renewed courage and strength into our hurt, upset, and harassed hearts. It’s available all the time for we are continually seen and heard.

We can turn freely to God, who will become our best and closest Friend, if we let him. He watches over us with tender loving care to comfort, heal, and mend.

His constant, inexhaustible love equips us to face anything we might encounter on our path of life. As we pray and trust, we bring the resources of heaven down to earth to help us.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

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He is here

You are not remote.

You do not stand, far off,

at a distance,

waving at us

but sit here instead,

in these self-same ashes,

with soot on your face

and grime-marred hands.

You come close,

closer than our next breath,

without interference

because yours is the nearness

of love, of a heart

brimful to the top with compassion

and a burning desire

to unite yourself with earth.

You stay here

even when we fail to recognise

your gentle presence

or acknowledge you in prayer,

because what matters most

to you is the solace

you can impart to our souls

and hurting hearts.

You cry with us,

your salty lakes mingling

with ours,

falling freely as they water

the trenches of earth,

cause fast flowing rivers to swell

and allow joy

and hope to be birthed.

© joylenton

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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

    and saves those who are crushed in spirit” 

— Psalm 34:18 NIV

Reflection 

When we’re suffering and struggling, it’s a huge comfort to know we are not alone. 

Even if other people appear not to notice or keep their distance, we always have the comfort of God’s presence with us and his sweet companionship. 

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God doesn’t stand off at a distance, waiting for us to solve all our problems or pull ourselves together again. Oh no. Not at all. Instead, he draws closer still to those who are wounded, broken and hurting.

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Jesus sits with us like the kindest of best friends, holding us close, and pouring his peace and hope back into our souls. 

We don’t have to soldier on alone because he is ever-present and always willing to help. May that thought help prepare you for reaching out to him in need. 

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Prayer 

Lord Jesus,

It’s a great comfort to know that you never, ever leave us. You stay close to our side, closer than a brother, forever pouring out your grace and love, filling us with the balm of your peace. 

Though we might not always be aware of your presence, we can believe you are with us by faith, and turn to you for daily support and aid.

During the days ahead, would you increase our sensitivity to your presence and open our eyes to notice it?  May we be encouraged by the thought that we are never as alone as we might feel. 

You are here. You care. You love us unconditionally, through our best and worst days. Help us to turn to you more frequently with gratitude and praise.

Amen 

PS: I’ve also written a poetic prayer for wounded warriors which might bring some comfort to you or someone you know. You can access it here. 

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Parts of this post have been edited and excerpted from my ‘Experiencing Lent’ book. It invites you on a journey of the heart that reflects aspects of Lent without numbering days or being too prescriptive. 

There's a mix of poetry, reflections and prayers that take you through the themes of Preparation, Signs, Shadows, and Awakening. It can also be used as a general devotional any time of the year. 🌱🕊💚🌼

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