Comfort for Fall: Autumn Praise (Psalm 19:1-4) NIV

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 NIV

Fall bouquet

The autumn season is filled with burgeoning excitement.  The air is crisp and the sky is blue.  The holiday season is upon us and the recent fresh starts of the school year still hold us in the hope of all things new.  Fall also whispers of winter. Our gardens are mostly harvested and the days are cooler.  Leaves spiral off the trees with a burst of color and then turn brown.  The air feels both full of death and possibility.  How do these hold the same space?

The Psalmist declares that creation tells us of God’s ways. What might the fall season, the change of weather, the dying, ending and transitions of autumn reveal to us? 

Death and resurrection.  Endings and new beginnings.  Perhaps fall can bring us this comfort: out of our sometimes painful changes, Christ can bring new life. 

God, Some days the mystery is too great for us to comprehend.  Thank you for the wonder of autumn that reminds us of the beauty in change.  Help us to embrace the mix of death and resurrection that surrounds us.  Continue your work of transformation in our lives, we pray! AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

On your mobile device click the link below and listen to our podcast on your favorite platform. If you’re reading our blog in your email while on your desktop computer and want to listen; please head to our webpage www.somecomfortandjoy.com and click on today’s post. When you view the blog on our website you’ll have access to podcast at the bottom of the post.

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Thanks for your support of our fall series (and first podcast series!). Listen in to find out how you can support this work…
  1. Fall Wrap Up
  2. Joy for Fall: Gratitude
  3. Comfort for Fall: Sing Praise
  4. Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk
  5. Comfort for Fall: Bless the Lord

Comfort for Fall: God’s Inevitable Kingdom (Psalm 54:1&7)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“For your sake help me!
Use your influence to clear me.
Listen God – I’m desperate.
Don’t be too busy to hear me.
. . .Thank you God – you’re so good.
You got me out of every scrape,
And I saw my enemies get it.” (Psalm 54: 1&7) The Message

Reading this Psalm almost made me laugh out loud.  David reminds me of a petulant child who isn’t hearing the answer he wants, or certainly not soon enough.  David isn’t afraid of God in his moment of need and is comfortable laying out his calamity.  He doesn’t talk of other world problems that are much bigger or the worry about the greater good.  He is honest with God and pleads for God to finish off his enemies.

Sometimes, perhaps it is just that simple.  We don’t need to bring all our answers to God and explain the best way to solve the problem.  We won’t have it all figured out.  God’s kingdom will come anyway – that is inevitable.  It doesn’t rely on us to have the perfect path forward.  It doesn’t rely on our good works, perfect attitudes, or solutions. 

Instead, may we like David, remember to lay our petitions before God, knowing that He loves us and that His kingdom is here now and coming again soon!

God, thank you for hearing each of us.  Help us to lay our complexities aside, at least occasionally, and place our sincere petitions before you.  AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

On your mobile device click the link below and listen to our podcast on your favorite platform. If you’re reading our blog in your email while on your desktop computer and want to listen; please head to our webpage www.somecomfortandjoy.com and click on today’s post. When you view the blog on our website you’ll have access to podcast at the bottom of the post.

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Thanks for your support of our fall series (and first podcast series!). Listen in to find out how you can support this work…
  1. Fall Wrap Up
  2. Joy for Fall: Gratitude
  3. Comfort for Fall: Sing Praise
  4. Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk
  5. Comfort for Fall: Bless the Lord

Fall Comfort: Cry for Help (Psalm 116: 1 & 12-13)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
How can I repay the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.”  Psalm 116:1, 12-13

Years ago the members of the adult Sunday school class I was a part of in my home congregation,  took turns sharing their personal testimony with the group.  We were pretty young at the time, but we still had varied life stories.  The common thread in the stories that were shared was the realization of God’s faithful presence and work in each of our lives.  Amazingly, some of the toughest stories revealed, the strongest voices declaring God’s goodness.  God was beside me when my child was stillborn.  God was with me when I fled an abusive husband.  God guided me from one career change to another.

Often when I get angry with God I am looking at a situation or story from far away.  Perhaps a world tragedy or a story of a friend of a friend.  But when I hear someone’s own recounting of a personal trial, I am surprised by their words of declaration: God has been good to me through this difficult time. 

Life will never be always, completely good or perfect.  But as we pause to reflect and look back over our shoulders, we can sometimes catch a glimpse of God’s good work in our lives over time.  

Where have you experienced loss in your life?  When you look back on times of pain and transition what do you see?

God, How can I repay You for Your goodness to me?  I will lift my voice and call on the name of the Lord!  AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

On your mobile device click the link below and listen to our podcast on your favorite platform. If you’re reading our blog in your email while on your desktop computer and want to listen; please head to our webpage www.somecomfortandjoy.com and click on today’s post. When you view the blog on our website you’ll have access to podcast at the bottom of the post.

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Thanks for your support of our fall series (and first podcast series!). Listen in to find out how you can support this work…
  1. Fall Wrap Up
  2. Joy for Fall: Gratitude
  3. Comfort for Fall: Sing Praise
  4. Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk
  5. Comfort for Fall: Bless the Lord

Practice of Joy: Soul Sisters (based on John 11)

“When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.” -John 11:20

As we track with Mary and Martha through the gospel accounts we see the dance of relationship. Sometimes in conflict, other times in alignment. Gifted in with different skills and interest, but both with a heart for hospitality and following after Jesus. 

While not all of us have biological sisters (and even if we do, it doesn’t mean we have a close relationship) we all find sisters of the heart throughout our lives. The best kind of sister-friend isn’t necessarily someone just like you, but someone who appreciates who you are and supports you in your gifts and calling. 

Who are the sisters of the heart in your life? 

Take a few moments today to reach out to these women (send a text, email or use the cards provided in the May Comfort kit). Today, offer a prayer of gratitude for the friendship and support of these soul sisters.

Comfort: Sisters in solidarity (John 11:21)

“‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But I know even now God will give you whatever you ask.’” John 11:21 NIV

Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in the same house.  They worked side by side each day completing a myriad of tasks.  The list was unending by all accounts –  no dishwashers for starters!

It is also clear through various stories in the New Testament that Mary and Martha, while sisters, had very different approaches to life.  They did not always get along or agree with each other. 

The thing that brought them together was a shared belief that Jesus, God’s Son, could change their lives.  In the scripture story above Martha’s declaration is shortly followed by Mary declaring the same thing.  Both sisters in their despair declare, “If you had been here my brother would not have died.”  With like minded determination they both lay their lament before Jesus.  

Chicken sisters!  My sister bought us matching chicken shirts.  We are both happy chicken owners. Even though we do many other things in life quite differently we do share a love of Jesus – and chickens!

One of the great gifts of being a woman is the kinship we gain with other women.  Our differences overcome, through our journeys together. Mothers, sisters, and friends, biological or by choice, one of the Creator’s gifts to women is the ability to hold our sorrows and joys before God in solidarity.

Thank you God for the women in my life.  The influencers of my faith.  Thank You for the kindred souls that help me grow and stretch closer to You. AMEN

Use the journal included in the May Comfort Kit to reflect on the faith influencers and sisters of the heart in your life. God’s provision is sometimes in the form of people! What have you learned or how have you grown through Christian sisterhood?

Reflection of Joy: Deep breathing

I often find the everyday small things the hardest to maintain.  The big projects and important things, the things I feel passionate about, are easier to accomplish with a joyful heart.  The dishes, reminding my children without losing patience, weeding, and vacuuming I do with less happiness.

It has been helpful to find small, repetitive breath prayers for these mundane and sometimes trying moments.  Remembering that holy, God-moments can arrive, and most often do, in the middle of our everyday lives and change our mindset.

Here are some to try out:

“In this moment, God sees me.”

“You are our refuge, and our strength.”

“Both day and night, are Yours.”

Use the watercolor sticker pictured above and included in the May Comfort Kit, as a reminder of God’s presence with you in all the moments of your day.  Place the sticker somewhere in your home as a visual cue and blessing.

Comfort: How Can This Be? (Reflection on Luke 1)

“Mary said to the angel, “How can this be?” -Luke 1:34 

After the shepherds arrive and share with the new parents the angelic message they received, Mary ponders. It’s striking to me that her response is not rejoicing but reflection. She is beginning to understand the complexity of how can this be. 

When Joseph and Mary arrive at the Temple and dedicate Jesus, I wonder if her ponderings from those first nights of motherhood came back. Simeon’s words “a sword will pierce your own soul.” More information for Mary to hold; an ever sharpening picture of how can this be.

As she raised Jesus and bore witness to his growth, maturing and development, I wonder how often she thought to herself: how can this be? 

But we know in our own lives, how this can be. We know how things grow, change, evolve. How there is bud then bloom and then burial. It’s through so many small things. Little gifts, lessons, tasks and moments that all contributed to Mary’s participation in the big thing. Dishes washed, tunics mended, loaf after loaf shaped and baked. Conversations about the mundane and the significant. Sleepless nights of worry. All part of the ministry and reality of how this can be.

God, in my faithfulness in the small things may I continue to trust that the effect will be for your glory. Amen

Use the journal included in the May Comfort Kit as a place to reflect on today’s Comfort reading.

Practice of Joy: Walking by Water (Genesis 13)

“I have now seen the One who sees me.”  -Genesis 16:13b

The Bible (particularly the Old Testament) has lots of stories that don’t seem “church appropriate.” What do we do with hard and complex stories of suffering? 

While Hagar faces many hardships in her life, she is also the first person in scripture to give a name to God. In her moment of deepest desperation God’s presence and provision is revealed to her. 

When do you notice God most? In moments of great joy or at points of despair?

What are the signs of God’s presence that you notice and appreciate? 

For Hagar, God shows up at a spring of water. Throughout scripture, water is an important image– both for physical survival and in symbolic ways. If you have the opportunity to take a walk near water today.  As you walk, reflect on God’s provision in times of desperation in your own life. 

If you don’t have the chance to walk near a lake or stream, each time you turn on a faucet today (washing your hands, doing dishes, or taking a shower) take a moment to reflect on the gift of living water in its many forms in your life. 

God, thank you for seeing me. Amen. 

Using the journal included in the May Comfort Kit, record your responses to the questions included in the post. You may also choose to spend some time coloring the included cards.

Comfort: Hagar, seen by God (Genesis 16:13)

“She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, ‘You’re the God who sees me!’” Genesis 16:13 The Message

Each of us has beautiful qualities, just like all women throughout time. And we each have those ugly moments, character flaws, and circumstances beyond our control, that raise their heads. Not unlike Hagar and Sarah, in today’s scripture reference, we are each a mixed bag. 

Hagar, in particular, was having a rough time.  It is difficult to know for sure based on the limited details in the Bible, but it looks like she was living out some very traumatic life experiences, not merely a rough day.  Her story is complex and heart breaking. Shortly before Hagar hears from God, she and Sarah have been fighting.  Hagar runs away into the wilderness.  There doesn’t seem to be much hope in this story.  Hagar is alone in the world.

Spring tulips are a joy to see after bare flower beds in the winter.

However, God does not leave Hagar alone in the desert.  God sees Hagar and loves her – exactly the way she is.  Just like Hagar, God sees and loves us, too.  We are known by the God of the universe.  God created each of us, and God loves us.  God speaks to us too, wherever we are on this journey!  God delights in seeing us, and that is life changing.

God of our good days and bad days, Creator of the Universe, give us courage to believe that You see us!  Through Your loving eyes may our own vision be transformed.  AMEN

Use the journal included in the May Comfort Kit, to reflect on these questions: If you believe God delights in other people you know, can you turn God’s delight towards yourself? How does it change our viewpoint if we believe God delights in us?

Lent Reflection: Prayer of Restoration (Philippians 2: 9-11)

“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 9-11

Jesus, Master Carpenter,

My son’s workbench, which always has room for a new project.

Reframe our souls.

Build your home here. 

Clean out the corners filled with our insecurity and close-mindedness. 

Construct new shelves to hold Your love, God.

Renew our minds, frame windows and doors open to Your possibilities.

We want our lives to be evidence of Your creative work in the world.

Do not give up on us God, we pray.

AMEN

We hope this brings you comfort and joy. You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others!