My nose was blocked with mucus, and it was so serious that I had to breathe from my mouth. I know that it sounds absurd, but I was afraid that when I would sleep at night, I might forget to breathe through my mouth, and I would die. The house seemed so claustrophobic with its little windows that I felt depressed, alone, and broken. I couldn’t share my feelings with anyone. However, when I attended a midweek service, there was a change, right there in the church. I felt at peace, knowing that Christ was there and that there was enough air for me. Recounting this experience makes me realize that the best place to find comfort when we are in trouble is with Christ.
“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (Luke 16:22-23 KJV)
“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” (Matthew 12:20 KJV)
Abraham’s bosom was the place of comfort that people in the Old Testament times thought of, which is the equivalent of Christ in paradise for us. We are bruised reeds, and Christ is interested in mending us. Make no mistake, everything about Christ is not only judgment, but love and care. He is very interested in you and me, for we are like lost sheep.
“But [Jesus] answered and said, ‘I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'” (Matthew 15:24 KJV)
Most of us have faced problems, for in our lives, we are as if in our little boats on the big sea, experiencing all the storms. Have we forgotten that the Master is there with us as we cry, “Lord, don’t you care if we drown?” He just wants us to ask Him faithfully, and then, He will take our hands and walk us on the waters to dry land. Faith is all that we need to have. Faith is belief, and when we believe, we know that there is a Comforter always ready to give us a hug. The feeling that Christ offers us is like when someone gives us a cloth to cover our nudity or saves us from bullies — that’s Christ. And beyond this life, as Lazarus discovered, going to heaven is better than the feeling of coming in from the rain and entering a warm home with hot tea and cookies. Jesus is the person Who gives us rest — both here on earth and in heaven after our time on earth.
Are you alone? Bruised from life’s challenges? Overwhelmed by despair? Brokenhearted? Have your friends, family, and confidants deserted you? Today, I can tell you that Christ is there. He is that silent friend, faithful companion, and true confidant. You are like a bruised reed, and all He is saying is, “I will bring you health and cure.” Come to Him.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to believe in You, and to have a relationship with You that transcends troubled times. Amen.
Copyright © 2022, by John Oguntoyinbo <jesutosinjohn@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca
Nigeria
Used with the permission of PresbyCan and author.
