Comfort

Have you ever tries to comfort someone? Have you looked upon friends or family members who need that extra boost of hope and clarity? Comforting others is no simple task, mind you. It is much more than just giving tissues to wipe tears; it is much more than to just pretending to listen to the same complaints. It is even more than just saying words out of our own feelings and thoughts. It is about giving hope to those who are hopeless, giving peace to those who are restless and comfort to those who can find no place to pour out their emotions. Inevitably, I was in need of comfort and God comforted me. After that, God brings me to show comfort and care to those in need. He does not just provide for our needs, but He allows us the opportunity to provide for others who are in need.

My need occurred during the weeks leading to my semester exams. It was a hard journey, filled with turmoil and confusion. I had not been able to hold on to the promises of God, let alone the perseverance to seek Him daily. Everything else seems to just fall apart. My exams and the event that I organize were my main concerns. And it seems that I cannot do anything for both. Failure looms on both sides. And yet, at this depressing point of my life, God showered me with love and hope and mercy. He put me into the care of the church and the fellowship of the Brotherhood of Christ. Through small gestures of comforting and firm rebuke where necessary, I depended God’s grace more and more. I finally saw the purpose He wanted me in this situation. That is to learn dependence on Him. Finally, I went through my exams and I am now in the chaotic midst of organizing the event. Peace would only truly settle in when it is all over in June.

As I mentioned before, God arranged for times when friends around me needed comfort. Zyannitty needed it. For her, it was hard to look upon and realize that the relationship she had was now lost. The person that she had known before, now seems a different person altogether. It was not easy. But then, after much tears from her own, and persuasion and lending ears from me and another friend, I believe she would be on the long road to recovery. The environment around her (the event that we both have to organize) had a silver lining of its own. It kept her away from the negative thoughts. Plus, we (W and I) spent much time with her and we even went out for shopping therapy. It was also indirectly, a therapy for me too, for I had to leave the confines of stress. In the end, it gave me new perspectives on things pertaining to relationships, stress and support, not to also comfort from God.

So readers, take heed from the people around you. The times when you need comfort, look not into the temporary fulfillments of man, but gaze upon and stand in awe at the peace and comfort that Christ gives. Pray to Him not to take away the suffering, for we suffer to glorify Him. Rather, pray that He gives us strength and wisdom to carry on walking for Him. And when you see those who are in need of comfort, do not forget to extend your shoulder for them to cry on and a lending ear. Direct them to seek the eternal comfort from God. For readers who may not know of this God whom I speak of, ask the Christians around you or you could even ask me, and may you also find the true comfort

(This blog post is dedicated to Zyannitty, a friend, a younger “sister”, for she calls me ‘gor’-big bro in Cantonese, and one, whom I hope the harsh realities of the world would not take away the smile and the zest of life in her. You have more to live for my friend. Seek true comfort in Christ.)