Comfort from crocuses

When I first went outside this morning the petals of the crocuses were tight shut after a cold, frosty night.  Later, when the sun had reached them, they opened up, drinking in the warmth and light.

My thoughts turned to the ‘Father of mercies and God of all omfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations.’ (2 Corinthians 1:3) All our tribulations?  Yes, indeed – unless we are harbouring unconfessed sin, or walking in a way which we know is contrary to His word.  Then the comfort only comes after repentance. 

How does the comfort come?  Surely by meeting the Lord Jesus in His word, trusting His promises, resting in Him, cultivating an awareness of His presence moment by moment.  But not just so that we can enjoy the comfort all by ourselves.  The Apostle Paul continues, ‘that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.’  (v4)

I lift my eyes to the quiet hills in the press of a busy day;

As green hills stand in a dusty land so God is my strength and stay.

I lift my eyes to the quiet hills, to a calm that is mine to share;

Secure and still in the Father's will and kept by the Father’s care.

I lift my eyes to the quiet hills with a prayer as I turn to sleep;

By day, by night, through the dark and light, my Shepherd will guard His sheep.

I lift my eyes to the quiet hills and my heart to the Father’s throne;

In all my ways, to the end of days, the Lord will preserve His own.

Timothy Dudley Smith