Tidings of Comfort and Joy

I've had many ideas running through this scatterbrained head for possible posts. One of my dear friends, who is going through some agonizing times told me Sunday how she enjoyed reading the "Bad Doggie" post and having a good laugh with us. It made me think again about the ministry of being transparent enough to shows one's weakness in a humorous light that encourages others and at the very least gives them something to laugh at. Since the night of our barfing Beamer we've had much material to poke fun at and some may appear in a future post or two. After all, giving people something to laugh at is one of my ministries!

The desire to comfort and encourage looms very large right now as I know of so many dear ones who are hurting as they endure extremely painful circumstances and losses. How do you offer comfort to someone undergoing hardship beyond your experience? The Lord brought to mind one of my favorite verses, Hebrews 4:15,16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

I LOVE this verse and find immense comfort in the fact that Jesus knows and understands our pain. He sympathizes with us, not from the standpoint of an outsider looking in, wondering what we must really be going through, but as One who truly understands every aspect of that pain intimately, AND as One who is able to help and give us mercy and grace in our time of need. When Jesus came as a human baby to humble parents in a troubled time, He not only came to offer salvation, He also offers understanding and sympathy which bring comfort along the journey. What an incredible gift God gave when He sent His Son!!!