“Jesus said, ‘Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!’” -Luke 8:48
With the setting sun as backdrop, I gathered with my book club. Over brie and chocolate dipped cherries, we shared about what we had read throughout the summer, offering recommendations and adding to our to-be-read lists.
A friend’s upcoming inn-to-inn sojourn in the English countryside called to mind a book I listened to purporting the life-changing benefits of discomfort. As I reflected on the things I disliked and takeaways I appreciated, I noted that inhabiting a female body means routinely being in touch with discomfort. The mental load, changing hormones, monthly cycles, micro (and not so micro) aggressions or glass ceilings– discomfort comes into our lives in many forms.
Our desire for comfort can be problematic. At times we resist change because of the discomfort of the unknown. Capitalism capitalizes on our troubles offering products, fixes and escapes (for a fee, of course). Sometimes, we may inadvertently rebrand self-comfort as self-care justifying extravagance, expense or escapism.
But seeking relief and comfort can also be a spiritual discipline. It takes courage to hold out hope for healing. It is a risk to ask for what we need. Others may confuse our self-honoring for selfishness. Being honest before God about our aches, longings and needs requires bravery.
The account of Jesus healing the woman with chronic bleeding reminds us that seeking relief from our pain requires something from us. Seeking wholeness and well-being may feel risky. It requires tenacity and courage. And yet, like the woman who experienced healing, the pursuit of the comfort of true home- connection and settledness with God- is met with blessing.
Bless my risks, Jesus. Meet my courage with comfort. May I continue to trust in you for shalom in all things. Amen.
We hope that this has brought you some comfort and joy. If this has been meaningful for you please like, comment or share this with others.
And in case you missed it, we wrote a book! Comfort and Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent may be a wonderful companion for you this holiday season. If you are looking for something new, Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas is a newly released Advent devotional written by Sherah-Leigh as a gentle guide for those dreading the coming weeks.
some comfort and joy 