Feeling comfort on a damp dark night.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

How do you cheer yourself up with the damp night’s drawing in? Do you listen to good music with a warm glass of chocolate? Do you light the stove and see the cheery firelight flicker and dance? Do you eat comfort food, cooked and/or snacks?

We all have moments where we need a bit of tlc, to be comforted when we feel down, or troubled. And this is good and right, whether it is through comforting food, activities, going out, or even a friend who holds us up when we feel like we are falling.

Many of us will know Psalm 23, this is one of my ‘go to’ passages when I feel lost, down or confused. To know that He protects and comforts me seems a bit bizarre and that there is a God who cares for me seems almost unreal, and yet He does. so right now, take some time to think about that and allow it to comfort you. He cares.

But the bit I want to also point out is that ‘He comforts us, so that we can comfort others’. As the gloom of Autumn settles on you, just remember it also descends on the teachers and pupils of your schools, and some of the young people and teachers may need a bit of comfort in this next half term.

Do you know that whatever you are feeling, you are ideally placed to bring a bit of light and comfort into their situations. What can I do? I hear you ask. Well, if you are part of a church, you can keep your eyes open and see if you can notice people who may need some comfort and maybe if you spot someone think about how they could be comforted. It may be that you have been through something similar to them, and what comforted you might comfort them.

But many times, all that is needed is a listening ear (not a talking mouth) a smile and a ’hello’, although I find cakes work very well too…even with young people!

Nick Klein CEO NISCU