My son’s alligator tears soaked the navy blue pillow case and his sobbing shook the bed, as I tried to comfort him to sleep.
We were about to PCS and he was inconsolable about moving away from his current BFF.
Between sniffles and sobs, he blamed me and pleaded with me. He knew there were options. He had seen his friends’ fathers move away while the family remained rooted in the familiar. He knew Daddy was getting close to being able to retire.
I tried to placate him with the standard niceties.
You don’t know you’ll never see him again.Â
Who knows? We could end up moving near each other again.
You can always text and call him.
Of course you can have a poster-sized picture of him in your new room.
You’ll make new friends.
We have each other. Your brother is your forever friend.
I did everything I could think of to comfort my baby. But in the height of his hysteria, he shoved me away. And my heart broke into a million pieces.
My child refused my affection because he blamed me for his affliction.
In my mama’s heart I knew this wasn’t going to ruin his life. I knew he would eventually make new friends. If we stuck together as a family, this experience would help us value each other. I was certain he would be stronger and more adaptable after dealing with the challenges of being an Army Brat. It wasn’t what he wanted, but it would be just fine in the end.
But how many times have I done exactly the same thing to God when a situation doesn’t go the way I want? Rejected Him when I perceived my situation was His doing? Refused His comfort when He didn’t answer my petitions the way I prayed? Turned my back on Him when He didn’t help the way I hoped?
Too many to count.
You, too?
Just like I long for my son to let me comfort him in his distress, God wants us to turn toward him when we’re hurting.
He never promised us a trouble-free existence in this life. That awaits those who trust Him with their eternity.
What His Word does promise is that He will be with us no matter what we walk through. Assures us His plans are good. Reminds us He has overcome this world. Tells us He will carry our burdens. Guarantees us He will forgive all our sins. Pledges to comfort us in our distress. Vows to bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted.
If only we will allow Him.
When afflictions arise, don’t dismiss God’s affection. Cast your cares on Him and exchange them for His comfort.
Trusting God through times of trouble strengthens our faith. The more I do it, the easier it gets. It only took a couple of decades for this knowledge to go from my head to my heart and become common practice in my life.
Don’t give up. Even if you’ve pushed God away before, He is still pursuing you!
What care can you cast on Him today to receive His comfort?
Liz Giertz is a Veteran turned Army wife and mom to two boisterous boys and one shelter dog who provide endless writing material. Until the next set of orders arrive, they call FT Hood, Texas home. She is passionate about encouraging women to overcome MESSES, embrace MEMORIES, and become the MASTERPIECES God created them to be. You can connect with her on her blog, My Messy Desk, as well as on Facebook, and Twitter.