Comforted by God, a Lectio DivinaSample

Day 3: Comforted by God

Simply press the play button to experience the comfort of having the day’s content read to you.

Devotional:

When our son was a toddler, thunderstorms rolling in would frighten him, and he would seek me out for protection and comfort. Oh, how I loved scooping him up, enveloping him in my embrace, feeling him settle against my chest, in my arms. Together, we moved back towards the second-story windows, so securely in my arms, he could watch the rain pelt the windows, the bright flashes of lightning, and feel and hear the cracks of thunder, delighting in the strength of the storm from the safety of my embrace.

When you were afraid, did you have an adult in your life who comforted you and made you feel safe? Perhaps when you got hurt or were disappointed, there was an adult in your life who saw you hurting and comforted you. What if our tender, loving God longs to comfort you right now as you experience pain, disappointment, or fear?

Grab your journal and find a comfortable place to sit, with no distractions, open to what God may have for you. I will guide you through this practice. Close your eyes, take a deep breath.

As I read this verse for the FIRST time, ask yourself, “What is this verse saying?” At any point, pause the audio if you need more time.

Isaiah 66:12-13 from The Message, “I’ll pour robust well-being into her like a river, the glory of nations like a river in flood. You’ll nurse at her breasts, nestle in her bosom, and be bounced on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I’ll comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

As I read this verse for the SECOND time, listen for a word or phrase that shimmers - that catches your attention. Maybe you experience a tightening of your chest, knots in your stomach, tears in your eyes, or a sense of resonance or resistance. Listen for a word that causes a response or feeling.

“I’ll pour robust well-being into her like a river, the glory of nations like a river in flood. You’ll nurse at her breasts, nestle in her bosom, and be bounced on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I’ll comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

As I read this verse for the THIRD time, ask God to show you- why that word or phrase? What does this word mean for your life, for what you’re experiencing?

“I’ll pour robust well-being into her like a river, the glory of nations like a river in flood. You’ll nurse at her breasts, nestle in her bosom, and be bounced on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I’ll comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Is there an invitation from God? Listen for a response from God.

As I read this verse for the FOURTH time, the invitation is to rest in God, like a child rests against his mother, trusting and knowing everything you need is there for you in God. Rest in the presence of God.

“I’ll pour robust well-being into her like a river, the glory of nations like a river in flood. You’ll nurse at her breasts, nestle in her bosom, and be bounced on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I’ll comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Now, open your eyes and slowly allow yourself a moment before you move from this experience with God. Consider journaling and talking with God about this word and what it means for you.