After participating in three days of two back-to-back choir concerts each day, walking to and from the venue, standing, climbing stairs, and engaging my whole body while singing, I was completely exhausted this past weekend.
I needed rest, a good massage, and a warm drink.
And yet, I felt spiritually and emotionally invigorated.
I’ve had this idea in my mind for a while that God isn’t asking for us to be comfortable.
And so I actually found it funny that in my choir concerts, one phrase we repeated over and over again from “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” was:
“Comfort and joy”.
God gives us tidings of COMFORT and of joy.
But I don’t think that means He wants us to get COMFORTABLE.
I think it means that He will comfort us and give us joy in the work we are doing.
“The Savior invites us, each day, to set aside our comforts and securities and join Him on the journey of discipleship.”
—Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The Jews returning to Jerusalem had a lot of work to do— rebuilding walls, homes, and even the temple.
But, it seems like they spent a little too much of their focus on their own comfort.
“Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste?” (Haggai 1:4)
Are you going to stay comfortable and ignore inviting the presence of the Lord into your midst?!
I could have slept a lot and put my feet up all last week instead of doing those concerts.
I probably would have felt more physically rested and comfortable.
But instead, I feel sore, and a little sleepy, and my voice is a bit lower than it normally is.
And I feel comfort. And joy. And rest. And peace.
There is so much goodness to put out into the world.
Let’s set our priorities straight, and get to work!
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
