APRIL 6, 2026
ON THE PORCH
EVEN IN THE DARK
**“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
**The LORD is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
This morning I decided to go sit on the porch for a little bit, but it was chilly. Without turning on the lights, my hands rubbed the jackets hung behind the front door until they found my old, ratty, green sweater. Even in the dark I knew it from the others. It is torn in several place, the zipper only halfway works, and It has a few seams coming a part. But it is also the most comfortable and soothing thing I own, and my body physically craves it.
As I was putting this old sweater on, my mind wondered, “What does my heart automatically reach for when it needs comfort, soothing, something familiar? What does my heart crave?”
I want to say that I reach for Jesus every single time I need reassurance and comfort. But the truth is, I don’t. Many times, I use other things to soothe my aching heart, and they work for the time being, but they never last. They are temporary fixes to a heart that has eternal longings. I could pick any item hanging behind the door and it would block the wind and shield my body from the cold, but it wouldn’t bring the comfort and softness and familiarity the green sweater does.
I have tried many things to soothe the longing in my heart…
- Scrolling
- TV
- Books
- Crafts
- My to-do list
- On and on the list could go….
But what I need is a face-to-face visit with Jesus.
It is not numbing, it is stimulating.
It is not draining, it is filling.
It is not just a way to pass time.
It is the best use of my time…ever.
This has been a hard season, and I’ve found myself reaching for other things to soothe my heart, distract my mind, and fill my spirit lately. And surprise, surprise…nothing has brought the comfort only Jesus can. He made me…every single cell, and he made me with a longing only He can fill. He knows what I need, even more than I do.
So this morning, I’m headed to sit with Jesus…in the dark outside on the porch for a little while. But don’t worry, I have my green sweater on. Will you join me?
LORD God, I thank You that no matter how often I numb, You are there. No matter what other coping methods try, You are there. And when I come to my senses and reach out in the dark…You are ALWAYS there….waiting with an open invitation. I know I will always find comfort in Your presence. In Jesus Name, Amen.
ON THE PORCH 