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/

Devotionals for the Heart: Friends who help and a God who saves

A friend comes to help…
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

Living near ponds and rivers means there will be new and different creatures to learn about. From alligators to lizards to snakes, I am learning more than I ever wanted to know about these creatures.

Recently, I looked out of my side window and noticed a snake sunning itself on my neighbor’s front doormat. Since I am afraid of snakes, and my husband was at work, I called my next door neighbor on the other side of the house. This man enjoys all kinds of wildlife and whenever I see something that scares me or causes me concern, this nice neighbor comes to the rescue.

The neighbor, his wife and one of their grandchildren came right over to calm me. The nice lady in the house where the snake was sunning, came to the front window and looked at us standing in the yard. We motioned to her that we were watching something.

Going through her back door, this neighbor gathered with us. I was afraid. I prayed for the snake to go away. It did. Traveling into the siding of the house next door was not where we had intended that thing to end up.

My neighbors, who are interested in nature truly comforted me. The nice man and his granddaughter taught me some things about nature.

After several attempts to find the creature, everyone went home. Each time the friends returned home, the snake returned outside to sun. Each time I saw it, I called the neighbor again.

These neighbors were patient and kind. They never complained about me calling them because I was scared. Each time, they came to my yard and chatted with me.

After numerous calls to the neighbors, I finally spotted the snake slithering back to the creek behind the neighborhood. I hope it doesn’t come back any time soon.

Through all this stressful time, I thanked God for neighbors who comfort and come whenever I call. They are busy with their own activities. They could have just told me not to worry and went on about their daily routines.

Yet, each time, the neighbors came to my house, comforted me and made me feel safe.

Through the whole situation, I was comforted by friends and most of all by God, who comforts with His unfailing love and compassion. His peace will not be removed.

Thank you, Lord, for friends who comfort and care.

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson

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Author Bio:

Melissa Henderson and her husband Alan live in South Carolina.

Married for over 38 years, they have one son (Mike) who is married to daughter-in-love (Christine) and now are blessed by a precious grandson (Rowan).

Melissa was taught the love of reading and writing at an early age from her parents. She is now working on her first inspirational fiction novel.

Her passions are volunteering, Bible Studies and reading and writing. Connect with Melissa online, https://mimionlife.wordpress.com.