 The weight of a burden that we carry around can be oppressive and keep us from our destiny. It changes our attitude towards life and our expectations about life. Last week’s blog post focused on the guilt we allow ourselves to carry during affliction, and how it moves us to cut off those closest to us. We discussed how to manage our attitudes through it, even if we were the cause of the affliction. This week we’re taking a look at comfort in the midst of our afflictions. Where have we typically found comfort, where should we find comfort, and how can we be assured of comfort, are the areas I’d like to address. As women we have different ways of handling affliction that we believe helps us to cope with the pressure while we go through. It’s not always what is in our best interest; however, in those times it feels like what’s best for us. No matter how much someone tries to dissuade us from doing the wrong thing, we’re often hell-bent and determined to do what we believe is best. Some of the coping mechanisms we employ are:
There are more valuable and reassuring sources of comfort that we can seek, to find encouragement and strength. These comfort mechanisms are designed to breathe life into us and build us up, and not tear us down. PRAYER - We don’t have to succumb to destructive attitudes to seek and find solace in the midst of our afflictions. Instead, we can look for inspirational and uplifting methods of seeking comfort. The greatest comfort you may find when burdened with an affliction is through prayer. Staying in the presence of Almighty God will give you strength to make it through the greatest trials, and He will give you peace in the midst of the storm (Mark 4:39). Talk to the Lord, as though you were talking to an old friend. Don’t just stop there, but make sure that it is reciprocal. Listen to what He wants to say to you. When you’re in the quiet, all distractions from the outside world are shut down, you can hear Him best. Whether through a remembered Scripture, a verse of a song, a thought, or even a little whisper, He’ll guide you in these times. Be mindful not to pull away from him in adversity, as we oftentimes do. He’s where we gain strength and peace. SCRIPTURE – Reading God’s Word will engrain righteousness and encouragement in your heart and mind. The Bible gives guidance for righteous living and overcoming trouble in times of difficulty If your affliction is one of health, find Scriptures related to health (Psalm 118:17, Isaiah 53:5), if it’s a spiritual battle find Scriptural passages to empower you (James 4:7, 1 John 4:4, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Isaiah 54:17, Ephesians 6:11-17). Whatever your affliction is there is guidance for you in the Bible to help you stand strong and overcome. CONVERSATION – Talk with someone who you can trust that will give you sound and wise counsel or advice. Make sure that it is someone you can trust to hold your most sacred issues close to their heart, and that they will pray for you. Sometimes when you talk out a problem with someone else you’ll realize that it is not as bad as you thought. Or maybe you’ll find a plausible resolution or resource to help work your way out of the situation, or get the assistance that you need with the adversity. PRAISE – Your praise is surely your weapon! Lift up your voice to praise the Lord for what you’ve gone through, what you’re going through, and what you will go through. Use the gift the Lord has given to you to chase away the enemy, and to declare the good works of the Lord. Don’t be afraid to tell the enemy to get out of your life, while you sing praises to the Most High God. Praising Him will instantly change your perspective and your attitude. It will place a barrier against the enemy, and draw you closer into the presence of Almighty God (2 Chronicles 20:22). You can trust that in your praise the Lord will surely deliver you (Psalm 18:1-6). SOURCES - There are other ways to find comfort that are encouraging and motivating when you’re dealing with an affliction. Surround yourself with trusted people who will speak a positive word over your life, and give you reassurances that will comfort you and help you find peace during these times. Inspirational music is also a method of finding comfort and peace during your afflictions. The music and the lyrics are soothing and will bring you peace. It allows you to reflect on positive thoughts and penetrates deep within your heart. Your attitude can change your outcome, perspective, and mood. Try documenting your trials to review later, so that you can see where Almighty God has delivered you from and what He has given you the victory over. Finding comfort in the right places and right means in your affliction will strengthen and empower you for future times. These times are also meant to allow you to be a source of comfort for someone else who may face similar challenges later in life (2 Corinthians 1:4). So be comforted in knowing that your affliction has a purpose and an end. In my novel, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions, Paige succumbed to promiscuity and an insensitive attitude towards others. Her best friend Ambiance allowed doubt to take root within her, and she looked to sources outside of her marriage for comfort. Even still, her other best friend Naomi’s insecurity allowed her to become mildly depressed. Read about their story and how these women overcame their challenges here. If you missed the last week’s blog post in the Afflictions series, The Weight of Affliction read it here. Read week one’s blog post The Afflicted Woman. These teachings will guide you in living empowered in the midst of an affliction. Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle 
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June 2019
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