The Comforter

It's easy for my mind to move to the past, miss people, miss "eras" of my life. And I get bummed out. I know there's no going back, clearly. And being sad doesn't change anything. But God's Word reminds me that everything I have gone through is for His purposes, and it's to make me into the person He wants me to be. So I can accept my past and look forward to my future. Being that I'm human, however, I'm just not instantly relieved. Sometimes you just really need a hug, ya know? Well my sister messaged me today, completely flustered with her day, seemed to be quite stressed out, and I honestly had NO clue what to say to her. I wish I could've been more help, but I just told her, "Don't worry too much, God is with you!" I know that isn't always an instant cure-all for everything. Our emotions are so complex and people need different responses for different emotions. The thing is, God isn't going to give me a hug. And He isn't going to fix my sister's lamp. So...why do they call Him the Comforter? Yesterday I realized this. Even if its through chaos or sadness, anger or joy, we know that He's looking for any outlet into our lives. Whatever is going to bring us closer to Him, to our salvation. THAT'S how He comforts us. By telling us He's taking us right to where we should be. I know that whatever is being felt at any given moment doesn't disappear right away. I mean, we are human, right? Yes, a hug from someone would be nice when I feel sad. But its temporary. I'll be bummed out 5 minutes later. But if my salvation is on my mind, and God's presence is with me, I WILL feel better. Maybe a little later, but it's peace that's really going to last. And that's far better than a hug anyone (other than Jesus!) could give me. :)