Comforted

The problem of discomfort

Think with me for a second. Things are not as they should be. Or, at least in our minds, things are not as they could be. Live long enough in this world and you will learn the simple equation, Life = Discomfort.

I probably don't need to do much convincing on this point, and I'm aware that we all carry around our own pain (Prov 14:10). So my thoughts turn towards....'Now what?'. Is there any answer for the reality we live through?

A fork in the road

Philosophies of life, stated or assumed, are formed in the responses we make to life's discomfort, and I think there are two general paths that are chosen. Some choose to stockpile comfort in this life/world by continuously amassing stuff and then holding on, hoping it never runs out. Others seek a different world altogether. The hoarders and the givers. The near-sighted and the far-sighted. The comfortable and the comforted.

The words of Jesus clearly speak, 'In this world you will have trouble.' Maybe that sounds like an understatement to you, but the words don't end there. Jesus is setting the stage of life with the props and characters we are all familiar with, but then He steps onto that same stage and speaks His line. Who we become (or may become) in this troublesome life depends largely on how/if we read the rest of the verse. 'But take heart! I have overcome the world.' (John 16).

Not enough pillows in the world

To attempt to pad ourselves with the cushions of money, fame, or possessions (or worse numb ourselves with drunkenness, apathy, or oblivion) is like trying to outrun your shadow. In fact, many of the characteristics of those we think comfortable in this world (and perhaps envy a bit?) may be attributes of cowardice. Now, I'm not denouncing wealth in one's life, unless that treasure pile has become one's sole (or soul) security and comfort. Jesus said, 'Take heart!', not 'Buy stock!' or 'Marry rich!' or 'Get drunk!'. The call of Christ is to be bold in belief and commitment.....to Him.

Why? Not because He sells the best insurance policy or has found the best loophole around the pain problem. He says, 'I haven't merely overcome your circumstances. I have overcome this entire world and the way it is and does things.' He speaks of a comfort that this world cannot give or understand because it (itself) is broken (John 14). He (Himself) is the only remedy to life's discomfort.

Where we end up

Please don't take these words as a prosperity, Jesus-makes-everything-happy, no more tears pat on the back. All His words are true, and you will still read 'you will have trouble' in John even after you receive His salvation. But just as John's Gospel is true, so is his Revelation. There will come a day when there will be no more tears, no more death, mourning, weeping, or pain. No more discomfort.

The sequence we are called to is not comfortable living now followed by more really comfortable living later. The way of life we are called to is to be comforted by believing now through all that may come, and then be brought to the day when true comfortable life becomes a reality. It arrives with Jesus, Him whom we have believed. And, as impossible as it sounds, nothing now (yes, even that) will compare to the comfort then, but you can believe it.