Comfort. It’s an embrace when I’m crying. A listening ear when I need to process. A soothing, gentle ballad when my anxious heart needs a non-verbal touch.  All of these offers something extraordinary, but each one is earthbound. They are tangible, yes, but limited.  I need something intangible and limitless.

El Roi is intangible. I am spirit, and I must relate to Him in spirit. This takes more effort and more discipline. It’s easier to replace Him with temporary substitutes.  The problem is ~ they only satisfy for a brief period before I need more. Friends return to their lives. Hugs last only seconds instead of hours.  Teacups eventually empty. Blankets don’t have arms. And, songs end as the noise of life returns.

The world right now is a brutal place to live. Comfort is sometimes challenging to find.  There is only One who can put iron in someone’s spirit.  Jesus knew our problem of reaching out for care and compassion but coming up empty. That’s why He said, “I’m sending you a Comforter.” The Holy Spirit of El Roi brings what earthbound things can not.  He sees us and offers to be a permanent Companion.  He, alone, is able to write hopeful words across the landscape of my desolation.