Comfort

I have a fond memory from growing up when my Mom would use a pressure cooker to cook a piece of beef.  Our pressure cooker was pretty heavy and when it was on the stove we weren't supposed to touch the valve on top.  It would spit out steam and make a chittering noise. (that is the best way I can describe the noise.)  I just knew the outcome would be the best beef and noodle dinner ever.  Comfort food.

Several years ago I was going through a difficult time and I received a "comfort quilt" from a lady in New York state.  We have never met but we have a mutual friend.  This friend had shared with her the trial I was going through.  She loves to quilt and she makes what she calls "comfort quilts" for people that need comforting.  This quilt has brought me comfort and warmth.

Comfort can come from memories, from food or from wrapping up in a blanket.  However, everlasting comfort comes from Jesus.

I think the hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is one of the most comforting hymns I know.  It was written by Anthony Showalter and Elisha Hoffman.  It was published in 1887 so has given many years of comfort.

         What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

 

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

O how bright the path grows from day to day,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

 

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning on the everlasting arms of my Lord and Savior.  What a wonderful thought.  I pray you will find this comfort as well.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4