The Comfort of the Familiar
Have you ever been in a situation where almost everything was strange? Despite how you tried you still struggled to find the level of ease that you had grown accustomed to? If you’re like me you’d probably at times long for the familiar; the comfort of your comfort zone. In your comfort zone, you know exactly what to expect. There seldom are surprises to make you feel uncomfortable or dare I say, silly or incompetent. Therein, I think, is the problem.
Many times, we don’t want to leave the comfort of that which we have grown accustomed to because we don’t want to take risks. We like the comfort of the familiar. We like knowing what to expect. Unfortunately, it is impossible to plan for every situation. There are times when you will encounter unexpected circumstances. During those times you may feel uncomfortable, or silly. However, it won’t be that way for ever. At some point the newness will wear off and you will find a new level of comfort and familiarity. Until then, remind yourself of the following verse:
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
If you’re a believer in Christ, you’ve probably found out that part of following Him involves leaving your familiar comfort zone. When He called His disciples to follow Him they had to leave the familiar behind. They didn’t know what to expect yet, without questioning, they followed. They felt that there was something greater beyond the comfort of the familiar. So, they answered the call. They trusted and they followed Him. If they had not decided to leave the comfort of the familiar we may have never known their names or their stories.
The desire to hold on to the familiar is normal. However, you don’t have to give in to that desire. You can push beyond the discomfort and grow in ways that surprises you. Your circumstances may be unfamiliar to you but they’re not to your Heavenly father. He is able to complete the work He began in you.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 41:10
Such a beautiful reminder that no matter what or if we are in unfamiliar places, God will give us the strength we need. Philippians 4:13 is my life verse.
I love Philippians 4:13 also, Iris. It always encourages me when I’m going through difficulties.
Hi! I just found this wonderful site and am so thankful and blessed that God led me here! I suffer from Chronic pain and illness and am always in desperate need of devotions and encouragement in the word from other believers. These devotions are so comforting and just the encourging reminders I so vehemently need! Thank you for this! Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favorite verses and one I needed to be reminded of! I also find myself tempted to cling to the familiar and comfort zones, but know that I need to trust God and let Him lead me wherever, trusting that He will be faithful and finish the work He started in me and that He will not give me more than I can handle, even though it often feels that way! Haha. God will be strong enough for both of us and works best in our weaknesses! God bless you!
In His love and light,
~ Amber ?
Thank your for stopping by, Amber. I hope you’ll visit often and be encouraged by the many wonderful devotions you’ll find on this site.