Devotionals for the Heart: Comfort

Words of Comfort
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you ...”

—Isaiah 66:13a (NIV)

When I was a child, there were a few instances when I woke up from a nightmare with my heart beating very quickly and my sweaty palms clutching my blanket. What happened in my dream seemed so real and it caused me to scream for my mother.

As she barged into my room to find me in the dark, she sat in front of me on my bed. I quickly grabbed on to her and hugged her as tightly as my little arms would allow. The embrace was comforting, but what really calmed me down were the words that she whispered in my ear: “It’s okay. I’m here. It was a dream. You are alright.”

Not too long ago, my son woke up in the middle of the night, rushed into my bedroom, shook me out of sleep, and then told me that he had a terrible nightmare. He was visibly upset and I wrapped my arms around him to console him as he cried.

I felt his heart beating against my chest and his body was shaking. As I held him, I started to tell him that everything was going to be alright. I told him that it was a dream and now he was awake so he does not have to worry anymore. I reminded him that God is always with him and the angels are watching over him at all times. I walked him back to his bed, sat with him while holding his hand. He breathed a long sigh of relief and eventually fell asleep.

Throughout the course of our lives, we experience numerous circumstances that threaten to shake us to the core. Many times, we are in need of a word that will comfort us and give us peace. God’s Word (The Holy Bible) is full of promises and if we draw close, we can feel His presence and hear His still small voice in our ear.

Let’s look at these promises found in The Holy Bible:

A promise for when you are afraid: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

A promise for when you feel alone: “...Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you...” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)

A promise for when you feel anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

A promise for when you are confused:  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

A promise for when you need peace: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Remember: God’s Word will comfort us in any situation.

I’m so glad that His comfort will always available to us all!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank you for giving us your Word and for blessing us with Your precious promises. We are so thankful that You are always there for us. May we always find comfort in You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12.

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

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Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/