Today’s Reading, Ecclesiastes 1-4
Focal Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1 “Again, I observed all the acts of oppression being done under the sun. Look at the tears of those who are oppressed; they have no one to comfort them. Power is with those who oppress them; they have no one to comfort them.”
Having a heart for others is important. Having a heart for yourself is also important. Why does having a heart matter towards others or ourselves? Because we either know of people who are oppressed or we are the ones who are being oppressed. The heart in which this is approached makes a big difference.
Notice the writer here says that the oppressed has nobody to comfort them in their distress. If you have ever been in this position you know how overwhelming it can be to experience. You are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. You are experiencing change that is crushing. The magnitude of your situation is soul crushing. What you need is comfort in the moment, not a lecture.
I often see well meaning believers try to comfort others by telling them how to fix a situation or even telling them how they are at fault for their current circumstances. At some point that conversation may need to be had but in the moment people need comfort. They need to know that even though life is difficult there is hope. Sometimes you just need someone to sit with you and be present.
My challenge for you today is to learn how to comfort those who are in need. Learn the ministry of presence. Be understanding in another persons pain. See them as a person in pain who needs a soothing balm not a cactus.
If you are experiencing oppression personally learn how to give yourself comfort and be patient. The circumstances while difficult have a purpose. Seek the God of comfort. Seek out those who are also struggling and look for opportunities to comfort them. Those who have experienced pain can help others through their own pain.
Be a people a comfort. Be a person who brings peace.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Ecclesiastes 5-8
