God of Comfort!

There are aspects of life which bring DISCOMFORT. Then there are times we bring that DISCOMFORT upon ourselves. This may be through the direct result of our actions or merely because of the perspective we choose to have in life.

Being angry, we might have expected Jonah to just return home since he had finally fulfilled his mission for God. However, we read that Jonah decided to stick around and watch.

“(5) Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. (6) Now THE LORD GOD APPOINTED A PLANT AND MADE IT COME UP OVER JONAH, THAT IT MIGHT BE A SHADE OVER HIS HEAD, TO SAVE HIM FROM HIS DISCOMFORT. SO JONAH WAS EXCEEDINGLY GLAD BECAUSE OF THE PLANT.” ( Jonah 4:5-6 ESV)

Even with Jonah’s bad attitude, even as he was throwing his own “pity party”, God chose to provide some COMFORT for him. Jonah was happy with this blessing even though he still could not rejoice over God’s blessing on those in Nineveh. Here, again, God was providing something Jonah did not deserve. Would he finally understand what God’s grace and compassion were all about?

God does not desire to bring DISCOMFORT to out lives. He continually seeks to bring us blessing. Rather than hardship God desires to bring us COMFORT. And He does this in spite of the fact we often need an attitude adjustment.

We have a choice. We can refuse to accept and acknowledge what God offers. But we will, in the end, realize we have brought the DISCOMFORT and misery upon ourselves. May we not take for granted even the smallest of blessings God provides. May they each remind us of how willing He is to give. And may we also be reminded of extending that COMFORT to others.

Paul stated:
“(3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and GOD OF ALL COMFORT, (4) WHO COMFORTS US in all our affliction, SO THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO COMFORT those who are in any affliction, WITH THE COMFORT WITH WHICH WE OURSELVES ARE COMFORTED BY GOD.” ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV)

Have a great day PASSING IT ON!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Jonah