Overview: Comfort, comfort My people. Sometimes, we just need the Lord to be there for us. In this 40-day excursion into the heart of the Father, Nola Lorraine touches on His attitude toward us, ours to Him, and ours to others. Beautifully thought out, with readings from both Testaments and present-day reflections, this devotional will enfold you in God’s grace and draw you closer into His empowering arms.
My review:
Nola put in a request for a review of her book and I quickly put my hand up because the title sounded like something that would help me in my current struggles. Nola sent me a physical copy of her book which I am extremely grateful for.
Each devotional contains a Bible verse to read through, a reflection, a short prayer, a couple of application exercises and then a declaration. I quickly raced through the devotionals in order to submit my review but I know it will definitely be a tool that will help me in my journey and I will take my time in going through it. The 3 things that caught my heart:
1. Time with God
“He (God) loves us and delights in us. He wants to spend time with us, enjoy our company, show us the wonders of His world and give us instructions that bring life…… Let’s take time to delight in the loving Father who delights in us.” An extract from day 9
The morning that I received Nola’s book I wrote: It is when we are attuned to God, His nature and His voice that we can truly hear God’s call, it is in that moment that we are profoundly altered. So how do we get into that space where we can hear God speaking? The greatest way we can know God and hear Him speak to us is through His Word, the Bible. Nola’s book reminds us that God longs to spend time with us, how amazing is that! Her book is a resource that can help us get into that space where we can spend time with and hear from God. I also really appreciate that Nola refers to a Bible verse each day and then unpacks it for her readers, helping us to then apply it to our lives.
2. God sees us
“No matter what you’ve gone through, God is there. He sees your tears……He saw Hannah’s tears as she prayed for a child (1 Samuel 1); He saw Esther weeping…..as she pleaded for the lives of her people (Esther 8:3); and He saw the tears that David recorded. “ An extract from day 21
For over 10 years I’ve been facing health issue upon health issue. It’s been difficult and frustrating to say the least. Oh, what comfort Nola’s words are to my hurting and struggling heart. The wonderful truth to cling to is that God sees me, He knows, He keeps track of my sorrow and hears my cries for help. My success rate of getting through even the darkest of days so far is 100% and I can say without a doubt that it is God alone that has bought me this far. We are promised that He who begun a good work within us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). So I know God is faithful and thus will carry me through the rest of this restoration process! Whatever your hurting heart is struggling with know that God sees you, He knows the pain you wrestle with, He keeps track of your sorrow and hears your cries for help.
3. Shelter in God
“…. God is our sure refuge. He is our shield against the arrows of the enemy (Ephesians 6:17). He is our rampart, or defensive wall, against attack. He provides rest for those who come under His shelter.” An extract from day 30
Nola goes on to share how comfort food has been a big refuge of hers and it’s certainly been one of mine especially of late as I struggle with peri menopause. I appreciate the reminder to take refuge in God, to turn to Him, the One Who provides a lasting solution rather than a temporary rush. I encourage you to join me in saying the prayer from day 30:
“Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve sought refuge in things and people apart from You. Thank You that You are my sure refuge. May I always shelter under Your wings. Amen.”
I highly recommend Nola’s book to you. Grab a copy for yourself and a loved one.
Many blessings,
Keona