The two weeks of fall we had were wonderful, but now the cold has come. It’s time to pull out the winter coats. We must bundle up before walking outside. It feels like winter!

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On Friday morning, I took a long walk outside. The temperature was cold, but what brought the deep chills that make you cold all the way to your bones was the wind.  As the winds blew against me, I would wrap my coat tighter around my chin, working hard to battle the cold winds.

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On chilly, cold days it’s delightful to find comfort in the warmth of a cup of soup or standing in front of a roaring fire. Where do you find comfort when you’re cold?  Where do you find warmth and comfort when you’re sick? Where do you find peace and healing when you’re in need?

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There’s one place we can go for any comfort that we need. That comfort is found in the loving arms of our God. The presence of God brings warmth, comfort, and peace. God’s heat radiates with Holy Spirit fire. It’s a blanket that surrounds us on a cold, bitter night. It’s found in the warmth and love of a hug by a loved one. All of these things reflect the presence of God for us. It is in these ways that we see God reaching out to us. It’s in the presence of God that I find comfort during any trouble.

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Next time you are wrapped in a warm blanket, imagine God’s arms embracing you. When you are standing in front of a fire pit or fireplace, know that God is bringing healing as the flames warm your skin. When a friend gives you a hug that warms your heart remember that you are not alone. God has gifted you with people that will support you.

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Do you feel that comfort and warmth surrounding you? I hope you do!

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Now, remember that it is not just for you. 2nd Corinthians 1: 3-4 reminds us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

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Prayer: God, our warmth, peace, and comfort, help us to always focus out with the comfort and compassion that we have first received from you. AMEN.

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