If you need comfort, it is available

I became hooked on a TV series called “Meerkat Manor.” Researchers studied and filmed a meerkat clan over ten years. To me, one of the most interesting revelations was the interactive behavior of the cute 10-inch long critters who often stand erect on their hind legs. I found some of their habits endearing and inspiring.

Meerkats at Busch Gardens (Photo by Tim Thompson)

While I think the commentator anthropomorphized a bit too much (giving human characteristics to animals), the behavior is fascinating.

One of my favorite observations is the way one or more meerkats will comfort a clan member who’s been hurt in some way – perhaps he suffered a predator’s bite, or a beating by another meerkat (relationships are complicated and disturbing at times) or was rejected by other meerkats.

In their world, which is replete with dangers, the little mammals will not survive without help and support from their clan members.

On one episode, an injured female meerkat stood alone, shivering, head down and overwhelmed with anxiety after a snake bite. It was painful to watch. The commentator said, “Daisy is shaken by her unexpected experience and stands alone and confused. Finally, her sister Melody comes over and gives welcome comfort to the poor little thing.”

The kind caring one is pictured comforting the hurt relative – touching, patting the other with its little paws, grooming (getting rid of ticks) and keeping the hurt and lonely meerkat warm at night with its own body heat.

We’ve all felt like Daisy at times, shaken by an unexpected experience – and feeling oh so scared and isolated in our misery.

Little Daisy and Melody – what a picture of God’s care and love for us. He is the God of all comfort after all. If you’re hurting, tell Him how you feel.

In addition, I find the meerkats’ comforting actions a vivid reminder of how we humans could do better at coming alongside hurt brothers or sisters in Christ. Are they not part of our “clan?”

II Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”  (NIV)

Many times, God uses people to bring encouragement. He may want to use you to reach out and offer help to someone. Or, if you’re on the receiving end of such demonstrations of love, accept it with a grateful heart.