Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Psalm 37:7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
I’m not sitting at the kitchen table this morning. That is where I usually sit to do my morning Bible reading and write this devotional blog. Instead, I’m as cozy and snug as a bug in a rug snuggled up under a comfy fleece blanket, sitting in my recliner, listening to the crackling of the first fire in the fireplace of the season. The world of chaos around me continues to roar, but not here, not in my living room. There is the smell of fall in the air. All is well right here in this house.
However, if we turn the news on, we quickly realize that all of life is not well. The presidential election that occurred two days ago remains undecided. Corona virus continues to rear its ugly head. There are murders, burglaries, bitterness, and anger in every news clip. No, life is not good outside the doors of my cozy home, yet here I sit, cozy as can be in the safety of my home. Really though, we should feel that sense of coziness no matter where we are or what we are doing. How in the world are we supposed to feel safe and cozy in a world that seems to be turned upside down? We merely have to remember whose home we reside in…the house of Christ! It is wise to be aware of the current events around us, but it isn’t wise to allow those current events to take a hold of us.
How then can we be cozy in Christ? First and foremost, we must adjust our focus. This may be the hardest part. It is super easy to focus on the tragedies and events that surround us. We quickly get caught up in the drama of life, and occasionally, we lay down and wallow in a pity party of grief. If we focus on the bad, we are going to feel bad, but if we turn our focus onto Christ, we will feel joy, unexplainable joy. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God causes everything to work together for our good.. No matter what is going on around us, God will use those situations to grow us for our good and His glory. We can find joy in knowing that in every circumstance, God is with us. We don’t have to handle anything alone!
Another way to find coziness in Christ is by serving others. What? That just sounds crazy! Nope, I am completely serious. When we serve others, we get that feel good, cozy feeling way down deep in our heart that warms our whole being. What better time of year than now to begin serving others. We can serve others in our jobs by performing well. We can serve others by buying a meal for someone, treating a stranger to a cup of coffee, helping with storm clean up, checking on a lonely elderly person, and a million other ways. You don’t have to go very far to find someone that you can serve, and I promise you that you will feel that warm cozy feeling afterwards. “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” (Hebrews 13:16)
When we are consumed with the circumstances of the world, it’s hard to find that cozy feeling. If we dwell on the problem and not the problem solver, we will find ourselves overwhelmed. However, if we give those troubles to Christ, we find relief. You can’t be cozy in Christ if you’re spending your nights tossing and turning, worrying and fretting. But you can rest peacefully in the loving arms of Christ if you simply give those problems to God, and go to sleep. Yes, to be cozy in Christ, we must let go and let God! And…”Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Finally, don’t give in to the trials of the world, and don’t give up! The troubles of the world look huge and loom over us like a big black cloud, but never forget that behind that cloud is the Son sitting on the throne. The Son is shining down on you today and every day, and that type of “Sonshine” will definitely make you cozy! And my friends, that Son has already overcome the world! “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
I pray that today you are feeling cozy in Christ. Fall into the arms of our Savior, and rest with Him. Focus on Christ, serve others, pray and give your troubles to Christ, and never, ever give up! This world is a scary place, but we can rest cozily in the arms of Christ!
Inspirations from the Funny Farm 