The Abomination of Comfort

When I think of comfort, a big, fluffy blanket and a cheesy action movie come to mind.

I also think of a delicious, cheesy pizza with a can of Pepsi.

Comfort is soft and warm like a freshly baked baguette.

It is closing my eyes and saying everything is fine.

… and I’ve been wrong to think this.

These images that pop into my mind are an abomination of what comfort should mean.

This idea of comfort that I just described portrays it as an escape from reality.

I get bullied at school, so I curl up on the couch and watch a movie to take my mind off the day.

I get into a fight with my brother, so I stuff myself with fatty food to try to feel better.

I feel anxiety creeping in, so I turn away and pretend it is not there.

… except, it is there.

… and Papa John’s doesn’t mend broken bonds.

… and Tom Cruise can’t solve my bullying issues.

So, what should comfort actually be?

I believe it should be a squire, an armor-bearer.

Picture a man strolling through a medieval forest. Suddenly, the trees in front of him shake, and a dragon emerges from the thicket. He is unprepared and unarmed. In a desperate attempt to defend himself, he sustains bruises, burns, and lacerations before he is able to escape and return to his castle.

In his castle, the man finds refuge. But he does not ask for a blanket and pizza because he does not seek trivial comfort. What he wants is true comfort: He calls his squire, who arrives with armor and a sword. The squire tightens the man’s belt and places the helmet upon his head. Armed and courageous, the man ventures once more into the forest to fight the dragon.

And this time he goes in com-fort: with strength. For this is what the Latin root of comfort offers him. The Latin confortare means “to strengthen”, which derives from con- (with) and fortis (strength).

Thus, finding comfort literally means being strengthened.

Many of the writings in the Bible, especially Psalms, speak of finding comfort in God.

I don’t think comfort is supposed to be an escape or a denial of reality, which deceives you into believing that the cause of your worries is not real or that it can be ignored.

Instead, I think it means exploring the scriptures to be reminded of God's message and turning to Him in prayer to let Him know your struggle. And then it means facing the problem, this time equipped with His armor and renewed strength.

I find comfort in my Lord by remembering the price at which He bought my freedom.

I find comfort in my Lord by remembering that He knows me and loves me.

I find comfort in my Lord by remembering that I am His servant. Regardless of what happens to me, I will go forth in strength, knowing that He is great … greater even than the dragons I face.

I asked my dog where I should eat pizza. He said 'roof'.