Comfort

We had a discussion about idolatry in community group on Monday, and the topic came up again in women's group Wednesday.  I seem to have seasonal idols that come and go, but one constant remains: comfort.  I would do almost anything to be, and stay, comfortable, and it is what I pray for most often.  I'm revolted at myself for asking God to serve my idol, rather than the other way around.

It's not just physical comfort, though that's a large component.  It's the comfort of financial security, always being prepared and not having to scramble when something comes up, of doing the minimal amount of work for the maximum amount of relaxation and downtime.  It's the comfort of having a plan, knowing what comes next, of never disappointing people or causing strife in relationship.  It's food that makes me feel good, regardless of nutritional content, and not pushing myself too hard.  It's self-serving, short-sighted, and a bad example for my kids.

And I'm scared to death that God will take it away from me to teach me to trust in Him.  I don't want to pray for that, because it's honestly the scariest thing I can think of.

This is where I need to dwell: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Blessed be the gGod and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and hGod of all comfort, 4 iwho comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in jChrist's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.1 6 kIf we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you lshare in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

COMFORT is not a sin; seeking comfort above God, as a self-serving idol, IS a sin.  The comfort given me by God should be useful for serving and loving others, not just myself.

Teach me, God, to understand what this means and how to glorify you well and love others with your love and comfort.  Remember these words in my heart all the time.  Please pick me up, brush me off, and teach me to start again.