One of the top tenants of hygge that people think about is comfort. Soft blankets, candles, and wool sweaters. This idea of comfort is something that we long for, especially in the harshness of winter. 

 

God is the God of all comfort, according to 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. He uses what we go through as an opportunity for us to comfort others as they walk through their own hard times. How can we apply that in a practical sense? I love the explanation of this idea from Holy Hygge that says comfort is "the protection and pleasure of God". 

 

Isn’t that what we all desire in our lives? To feel safe and to delight. 

 

I believe we can create that physically in our homes and in the way we welcome others into them. During the bitterness of winter, offering a warm, dry, soft place for your family and friends to find protection and pleasure is a way to extend the comfort of God into their lives. 

 

In our house, we have plenty of soft blankets, pillows and cushions, low lighting, well loved mugs, plenty of socks to share and warm tea to pour. Even for our own little family, we intentionally curate a home where we can move into each room easily without too much clutter, sit comfortably and spend time with one another. We have a favorite blanket for the best spot on the couch and enough puppies for each of us to snuggle. 

 

God is often seen as hard, cold and distant. But isn’t He the same God who created sunsets, peacocks and daisies? What other purpose He have had for such things if not to take pleasure? The greatest way to worship Him would be to stop and revel in all that He has done for the sake of doing it. 

 

Not only that, but He has created a world that spins at just the right speed, a sun that sits at just the right distance and stars that glow at just the right brightness. We may get hurt, broken and bruised, but we are far more protected in His hand than we could ever know. 

 

Psalm 23 speaks of a Good Shepherd. The one who protects His sheep so that they can graze their way to full and happy tummies. Grazing is not a quick endeavor, especially for sheep. Slowly taking in nourishment is the sign of someone who feels secure enough to enjoy this present moment. When we continue to trust Him to take care of us, to see that He is good and good to us, we can take pleasure in this incredible world He has created. 

 

Where is the protection and pleasure of God in your life? 

 

How can you offer that same comfort to others?