comfort

Hope in Tragedy

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I cannot imagine dropping my child off at school in the morning then returning to pick them up only to hear that they will never come home again. I can’t imagine wondering ‘did I hug them tight enough when I said good-bye’, ‘did they know they were shot and dying in that moment’, ‘were they alone’, ‘did they cry or scream’. As someone who is watching this current tragedy unfold, I do not pretend to even begin to understand the grief parents and families are feeling. What must be the depth of sorrow which has entered these lives? Words alone seem empty. Words will not change the events; they will not bring these children back to their families.

As a collective member of society I am horrified at our selfishness which leads to the action of taking another’s life. I wonder why it is that God doesn’t just throw fireballs at earth and end this people who have desecrated lives He chose to give, to sacrifice His only Son for? So what do we do? What can we offer someone whose heart has been ripped to shreds?

There is only one healing ointment that can touch a broken heart and begin to mend a crushed spirit. The source does not come from man but rather from the Creator of men – Jesus Christ. The search for comfort, peace, and Truth will only be found in Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This doesn’t mean you will understand completely, it doesn’t mean you will heal completely, it doesn’t even mean you will not feel pain. It does mean that above all Jesus loves you, He cares, and He sorrows for the sin that causes tragedy.

I have heard the passionate pleas of some governing officials stating that words are not enough, action must be taken. You could go in many directions trying to corral lawlessness. But the center of our problem is sin, selfishness, greed, and pride. We cannot ‘fix’ these things with more laws or more security. God alone can, God alone has. His name is Jesus. These are the only words which are not empty; His is the only action which offers a real solution.

Because God loves us, in spite of our depravity, He gave His Son. My prayer is for those who know Jesus to lean on His grace, His mercy, His comfort, and His peace. The most important action we can take is to share the Truth of the Gospel boldly with all those who will hear. There is forgiveness in Christ alone. There is mercy in His compassion for the lost. And folks, as a nation we are so lost. It is evident we cannot do this ourselves. The best efforts have failed and have only resulted in blaming one another for failure, taking sides, and hurling accusations. It is not difficult to recognize the alarming repetition of crimes against humanity. But there is hope for change; there is hope for the future.

This hope is not corny, it’s not a crutch or weakness, and it’s not a religion. It is the only solution to man’s sinful behavior – it is God alone. Because of His Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone. Please pray for humility of heart that people recognize their need and willingly bow before their Savior.

Then through tragedy, God will be glorified.

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

Mercy and Comfort

True comfort, in all circumstances, is found in Christ alone, through His word. As we draw near to Him and receive His mercies, we are comforted. God will offer His perfect comfort in all circumstances.

This morning, as I was finishing a study I have been working on, I was greeted with a calendar reminder that Women’s Bible study would be starting in 30 minutes. Oh how I wish … However, as we lean on God’s perfect plan for each of us, we do have an opportunity to be strengthened in our trust in Him and share our hope with those who are struggling with peace. Schedules have changed, in fact some days I have to think about what I should be doing, as my calendar is sparse with plans that are viable at this time. My heart is heavy with the difficulty and sorrow people are facing – those I know who have tested positive for Covid19, who have relatives and friends that are extremely ill and not allowed by their bedside, who have lost wages and are financially suffering – yet, my heart is filled with joy as I ponder God’s mercy in calling me His child. Be encouraged! God is building our testimonies for His glory.

When circumstances were bleak, Paul burst out in praise to God for the blessings bestowed upon man.

2Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

God is the Father of mercies. What does this mean? God chooses to show leniency and compassion toward mankind even though we are guilty. God offers forgiveness toward sinners.

Consider God’s mercy toward us. We do not deserve it and we cannot earn it, but He has chosen to notice us. Titus 3:5-7 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to [the] hope of eternal life.

God delights in mercy. All that is good is because of God. Mercy is part of God’s character.

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love. Unchanging love is translated from the same word for mercy.

The Father of mercies; a most amiable and comfortable relation; not the Father of mercy, or a merciful Father, barely, but the Father of mercies in the plural number to denote the greatness and multitude of his mercies, and that all mercy flows from him only and freely, as streams from an overflowing and never-failing fountain. William Burkitt New Testament notes.

God will show mercy towards the afflicted. Isaiah 49:13 Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted.

God’s mercy is plentiful, exceedingly great and always sufficient. Psalm 86:5, 15 For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Thee. 15 But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

God’s mercy is abundant, plenteous. 1Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

God’s mercy is everlasting. 1Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks to the LORD, for [He is] good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

God’s mercy is certain, faithful. Isaiah 55:3 "Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [According to] the faithful mercies shown to David.

God’s mercy is tender, compassionate. Psalm 25:6 Remember, O LORD, Thy compassion and Thy lovingkindnesses, for they have been from of old.

God’s mercy is new every morning, it never ends, and it never fails. Lamentations 3:22-23 The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. [They] are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.

We can trust in God’s mercy. Psalm 52:8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

We can rejoice in God’s mercy. Psalm 31:7 I will rejoice and be glad in Thy lovingkindness, because Thou hast seen my affliction; Thou hast known the troubles of my soul,

The God of all comfort.

Comfort <parakaleo> to call near, to invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhortation, intreat, pray. This is the same word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Helper in John 14:16, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever”.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

2Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.

We find comfort through His promises and in His protection. The world, people and circumstances are unable to offer lasting comfort because change is inevitable; our future is not secure. In Christ, we are free from worry with a future that is certain, no matter what happens.

Psalm 146:3 Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.

Psalm 146:5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God;

James 5:11 Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and [is] merciful.

“And the God of all comfort, the source of all consolation. Paul delighted, as all should do, to trace all his comforts to God; and Paul, as all Christians have, had sufficient reason to regard God as the source of true consolation. There is no other real source of happiness but God; and he is able abundantly, and willing, to impart consolation to his people.” Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary

Where is your confidence?
Who or what is your joy dependent upon?
Where is your gratitude centered? Are you grateful even in difficulty?
Where is your security?
Who is your source of consolation?

“The Father of mercies, and God of all comfort-Mercies are the fountain of comfort; comfort is the outward expression of mercy. God shows mercy in the affliction itself. He gives comfort both in and after the affliction. Therefore is he termed, the God of all comfort. Blessed be this God!” John Wesley’s Notes on the Old and New Testaments

God is the source of tender mercy and provides consolation to those who trust in Him. In the midst of trouble, peace is found in Christ as we look to His promises. Every difficult circumstance we experience gives us opportunity to remember and lean upon God’s mercy and comfort and gives us testimony of God’s faithfulness so that we might share with others where true peace is found.

Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When we understand that God is the source of all mercies and the author of comfort, we will not keep silent. Like the apostle Paul, even in the midst of hardship, we will burst forth in praise for God’s grace on our lives! What looks bleak to the world will be seen in the light of God’s promise to the believer. Because of His mercy, we know Him. I can think of no other thing of greater importance than to share with others the hope found in Christ.

So that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

There are hearts that are fearful – peace is found in God.

There are hearts that are sorrowful – comfort is found in God.

There are hearts that are troubled – rest is found in God.

Answers may not be found for present difficulties, but trust in the One who has all understanding will provide a quietness of heart. We have an unshakeable foundation in God, blessed be His name. Praise God, take courage, be comforted, and be strengthened

Psalm 18:46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation.

Psalm 72:19 And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.

For His Name’s Sake

I love how John Wesley’s Notes on the Old Testament explains the words, ‘He restores my soul’ – “He brings it back; from its errors and wandering. Not for any worth in me, but for the glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.”

Psalm 23:3

Ps 23:1 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

Think of what it means to be restored. I love restoring old furniture. I don’t necessarily bring the item I’m working on back to its original state, instead I refresh it by putting on a new coat of paint. Often, screws need to be tightened and seams need regluing in order to strengthen the piece. I normally sand the wood pieces before I paint, and sometimes I sand after, to give it a ‘loved’ look. Reupholstering can also give a fresh new look to some pieces but older items may need the cushioning replaced in order to really strengthen and fix the entire object.

When I looked up the Greek word restore is translated from, I was presented with quite a long list of definitions. Generally, its meaning is to retreat again, bring back home again, to call to mind, to continually deliver. The words recall, recover, refresh, relieve, rescue, retrieve and to cause to return are included in the long list of expressions defining the word ‘restore’.

The above seemed a lot to decipher, so I looked at the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge to try to get some additional insight. Here are a few verses using the same Greek word <shuwb> or restore.

Ps 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says “to restore the soul is to revive or quicken it.

Ps 80:3 O God, restore us, and cause Thy face to shine [upon us], and we will be saved.

There are numerous uses of this same word throughout the Bible, many in the book of Genesis. The majority of uses for this word have the same thought – return(ed), returned continually, brought back, brought again, certainly return, restore(d), come again, bring again, to deliver, and draw back.

Psalm 23:3 says He restores my soul. God comforts His children. God refreshes His children. Not necessarily by changes that occur outside, but by those that come from within.

Consider. How long does an outward change last if only superficial? In other words, if I don’t take the time to fix the integrity of the furniture I restore, it will still be weak even though the outside may look new. God restores our soul, the very center of who we are. He refreshes us from the inside. Initially, He saved my soul from the grip of sin so that I would have eternal life. Continually, He brings me back from wandering by His guidance and protection. When I am weak, God gives me refreshment in His truths and strengthens me.

God not only has gifted us with eternal life, He also is here to direct us and guide us, to restore us, to bring us back when we go off in the wrong direction, to give us rest when we become weary. This is a beautiful picture of our Great Shepherd and His continual care for His children. “Just as a shepherd brings back his wandering sheep from those craggy, untrodden paths, wherein they would lose themselves; and leads them into plain and easy ways, wherein they find rest and safety.” Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary

“When the soul grows sorrowful He revives it; when it is sinful He sanctifies it; when it is weak He strengthens it. … Are any of us low in grace? Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. Pray to Him then for the blessing – ‘Restore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!” Treasury of David

Ps 23:3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

God not only restores my soul, He leads me, He guides me, He puts me on a straight path, the right path.

Think of those times you’ve taken a wrong turn. About twenty years ago, my husband and I surprised my parents with a trip to Alaska. My Dad had always dreamed of going there. While we were walking through some ruins from the 1964 earthquake that registered a 9.2 on the Richter scale, my husband took a turn and we all followed. Soon, we found ourselves right in the middle of mosquitos nesting. This was as horrible as it sounds: the little critters were everywhere, our skin was covered and if you opened your mouth to say anything or scream, they entered your mouth. I remember having mosquito bites on my tongue, and in my ears along with every exposed skin surface. God doesn’t lead us on a path of calamity, he leads us on His path of righteousness.

Ever have those times where you don’t know which way to turn? The direction you should take doesn’t seem clear and there doesn’t seem to be a good answer or right choice. We’ve all been there at one time or another. Several of us have been there multiple times. Some may even be there right now. What do you do?

Always, always, always go back to the truths you know in Christ Jesus. Psalm 23:3 says God will guide us to His way, what is best. Place your trust completely in His truths given to us through His word. You can rest in the fact that God does what He says. His answers may not come as quickly as we would like which means we need to wait. His answers may also not be what we want, but they will be what we need. His answers are often not easy, but will cause us to trust Him every step we take. Remember the truths written for us just in this Psalm alone.

Ps 23:1-3 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Ps 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

Ps 31:3 For Thou art my rock and my fortress; for Thy name's sake Thou wilt lead me and guide me.

Pr 8:20 "I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,

“In the paths of righteousness; in straight, and plain, and safe paths, where the sheep is neither hurt, nor wearied, nor in danger of wandering. By his word he directs me to the right ways of truth, and holiness, and righteousness, and by his Spirit he inclines and enables me to choose them, and to continue to walk in them.” Matthew Poole’s Commentary

Ps 143:8-10 Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in Thee; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to Thee I lift up my soul. 9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in Thee. 10 Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Isa 42:16 "And I will lead the blind [literal or figurative] by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, and I will not leave them undone."

I have been saved from sin, I am continually led by my Shepherd to all that is needed, and I am saved to live a life in sync with His will. Only God is able to guide me into His ways. There is no possible way I am able to seek out His truths and follow them on my own without the help of the Holy Spirit. But, being saved from sin I am saved to righteousness. This is my hope, what I know for certain. God is my guide and He never fails to restore His children and guide them – even when they get lost or stray off the path, even when the way seems unclear or difficult. A shepherd will carry the weakest sheep if needed until they are strong enough to walk on their own. Do you trust Jesus to shepherd you?

Consider. The promises of God are certain. The faithfulness of God is sure.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

2Co 1:20 For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

Isa 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.

1Jo 2:25 And this is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.

1Th 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

Ps 36:5 Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness [reaches] to the skies.

Why does God restore my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness?

For His name’s sake.

On account of who He is. His character. To display the glory of His grace towards those He loves. Because He is perfect and good.

We are likened to sheep. We easily lose our way and will perish without a Shepherd. It is not because of anything in us that we are able to live lives of righteousness. I am not worthy. But God is and it brings great glory to God’s name when He guides us in righteousness, protecting us from harm. This is a display of His power and faithfulness.

Ps 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name; and deliver us, and forgive our sins, for Thy name's sake.

Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done;

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Fanny Crosby, 1875

Nothing is Impossible!

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It’s too hard, you’ve got the wrong person for the job!

God tells Jeremiah that he has been appointed to Himself for the purpose of speaking truth to the people. Jeremiah does hear God and has been given some really encouraging words. Specifically, that God has known him all along and that He has a plan for his life. This is all cool, but then he gets more details. How does Jeremiah respond?

Jer 1:6 Then I said, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth."

Interesting, when I looked at the word ‘Alas’ in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, I found that it was a word used to express pain. Similar to something we might say like “Oh no”. Even with the encouragement that God had shared with Jeremiah, Jeremiah was reluctant to jump in with both feet! Have you been there? You know that something is good, it is right, it is what God would have you do, but…! Perhaps, the unfolding plan was not what you had expected or it seems very possible that what you should do may cause either yourself or others to be uncomfortable. Or perhaps, you’d rather stay on the quiet, unnoticed side of things and let someone else be the outspoken one. In Jeremiah’s case, he claimed his youth as an excuse to bowing out of God’s plan.

Let’s look at the words Jeremiah used to address God.

Lord <Adonay> as in my Lord.

God <Y@hovih> self-existent or eternal

This again speaks of the personal relationship Jeremiah had with God as he calls Him my God. The acknowledgement of God’s eternal existence agrees with the information Jeremiah had received that God knew him even before he was born. So Jeremiah answers God saying, “Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth”. It’s like he’s saying, ‘c’mon God, you know me, you understand me, I’m still young and I can’t say things well, I don’t have what it takes’.

It takes little imagination to think of what his unspoken thoughts might have been. ‘Give the job to someone else’, ‘Look, I’d like to help but this is not my comfort zone’, or ‘Really, are you sure I’m the one you want, there are others that would be a better choice’. We see this same kind of reaction to God’s plan elsewhere in the Bible. I immediately think of Moses. He voices insecurity in God’s plan as he questions Him with a list of ‘what ifs’.

Ex 4:1 Then Moses answered and said, "What if they will not believe me, or listen to what I say? For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'"

After the ‘what ifs’, Moses tried another tactic.

Ex 4:10 Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Moses couldn’t proclaim youth as his excuse, instead, he reminded God that he wasn’t an eloquent speaker – like God needed a reminder!! Later on in the same book, Moses reminded God again that people wouldn’t listen to him…

Ex 6:12 But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, "Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?"

How did God respond to Jeremiah’s concerns?

Jer 1:7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.

Well first, He threw the youth problem out the door! As Jeremiah was hoping to shrink away from the directions God was giving him, his protest of youth was negated. With God there are no limitations in performing the work He has set out for us! We may think we are too old, too young, or too shy. Perhaps we let lack of education or experience cause us to shrink away from stepping into a direction God is leading. Maybe we feel past mistakes disqualify us from being used by Him. No matter what obstacles we may perceive, there are no barriers that will keep God from being able to use us according to His plan. The question is, “Are you willing”? Don’t cling to your excuses, concentrate on His truths:

Ex 15:2a "The LORD is my strength and song,”

2Sa 22:33a "God is my strong fortress;”

Ps 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

2Co 12:9a And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."

Heb 11:33-34 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Jg 16:3 Now Samson lay until midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two posts and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron.

2Sa 22:40 "For Thou hast girded me with strength for battle; Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me.

Isa 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Da 11:32b "but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Lu 18:27 But He said, "The things impossible with men are possible with God."

Lu 1:37 "For nothing will be impossible with God."

That’s quite a list of encouraging scriptures, and it’s only partial. There are so many more that we can cling to as we trust that God will give us everything needed for the task He puts in front of us!

I love that the NAS translation of Jeremiah 1:7 uses the words ‘everywhere’ and ‘all’. It’s not like God will get us started and then leave us on our own to finish! He’s not saying, “I’ll show you once, then you’ll do fine”. He’s with us. From the beginning to the end. Everywhere He sends us we are accompanied by His Spirit to strengthen, to encourage, to pick up when we fall, to even put words in our mouth when we don’t have any!

“Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.”

We have no excuse. In God we are able. Are you timid? God will cause you to be brave! Do we have insufficiencies? Sure! It would take me a very long time to list my weaknesses. Should this stop us from going forth to follow God’s will and direction? Absolutely not.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary suggests this wording from the Hebrew: “Thou shalt go upon all errands and messages that I shall send thee”.

Ac 26:16 'But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you;

Jer 1:17-18 "Now, gird up your loins, and arise, and speak to them all which I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, lest I dismay you before them. "Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city, and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.

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Get up my friend! Be brave in the Lord! He’s picked you as His child. Nothing is too difficult for God. He has called exactly whom He wants to do the job He requires!

Out of Control…

Things happen! Difficult things happen! Unfair things happen! Tragic things happen! Where do you go for understanding, for comfort? How do you respond to those unexpected tragedies?

OUT OF CONTROL…

In 2008, Natalie Grant released the song In Christ Alone. Read the words to the first line below.

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song.

Things happen! Difficult things happen! Unfair things happen! Tragic things happen! Where do you go for understanding, for comfort? How do you respond to those unexpected tragedies? Is there truth to be considered in the lyrics written above?

Consider. Hope placed in any resource, except that of the promises of God, is at best fleeting. Temporary comfort, brief periods of peace, momentary relief, and abbreviated times without stress, can be found. Religion or religious entities offer some answers. But, following a religious beliefs and customs, adhering to standards written by men, practicing rituals in order to attain peace are all things WE do. Consider. If we had the power within ourselves to bring about true lasting peace in all circumstances, why did God send His Son to die on the cross? In Christ Alone…

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

2Co 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;

A living hope. Living. Something that endures. Something active. Something in existence. Not dead. Not extinct.

In Christ alone my hope is found. Truth – when we take ourselves out of the equation. Dependence on me, on myself, in doing anything other than relying upon God’s promises, offers only temporary hope. Devastation and unforeseen tragedy will kill all hope found in anything but Christ.

Ex 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.

He is my light, my strength, my song.

God created light. Ge 1:3-5 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

God gives light. He gives us understanding. Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Ps 119:130 The unfolding of Thy words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

Christ is our strength. 1Ch 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

How is Christ our strength? He is our force, our security, our majesty, our praise, our boldness, our power. Ps 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. Ps 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.

The Lord is my song. My reason for praise.

Ps 103:1-5 (A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Ps 34:1-6 (A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him) (away and he departed.) I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

“This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.” 2008, Natalie Grant

Always out of our control… NEVER OUT OF GOD’S CONTROL

Hope found in Christ gives us light in the darkness, strength when we’re weak and reason to praise at all times!

A Voracious Appetite

The Bible is not a course we take and complete, it is a life-giving, life-sustaining gift from the very mouth of God. It is to be treasured, pondered over, and used frequently.

Ps 119:131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Thy commandments.

This is a very descriptive set of words. It paints a picture for us of the great desire the Psalmist has for Truth. You might even want to start at the beginning of Psalm 119 and mark each time God’s word is mentioned. There are several references used for the word: law, way, testimonies, commandments, precepts, word, judgments, statutes, and saying.

Below are the Hebrew definitions from Strong’s Concordance for a few of the words we’ll take a closer look at.

opened <pa’ar> to yawn, open wide

mouth <peh> can also mean mind, speech

panted <sha’aph> to inhale eagerly; desire earnestly, devour

Let’s remember the writer of this Psalm. David endures imprisonment, accusation and persecution because of his love for God. Throughout this entire Psalm, the love he has for God’s word dominates. David recognizes his need for Truth at all times in his life, whether he is in adversity or prosperity. In all circumstances, the Psalmist calls upon the word of God for his sustaining comfort and encouragement.

“I opened my mouth wide and panted” is something we can readily picture. Think of inhaling eagerly, desiring earnestly, and devouring – these words are indicative of serious need and want. Picture this: a newborn baby who has slept for six hours (probably 3-4 is a more realistic time ) then wakes with an insatiable hunger for its mother’s milk. It is impossible to appease the infant with anything but what is desired. There is nothing else that will fill its need!

Picture a puppy inhaling its food. It seems as though it just can’t get enough and the only thing on its mind is to eat. One of our dogs, Lily, is a French Bull Dog. The picture at the beginning of this blog is from Halloween a few years back, complete with a skull and crossbones tattoo – I couldn’t help myself! As sweet as she is, she is not at all loyal to any one person, rather, the hand that fills her dish becomes her temporary best bud. Food is her obsession. It is evident in the noisy way she eats, (I’ve often thought we should have named her piglet), and with the gusto she uses to inhale her food. When she was a puppy, we would have to put a rock in the center of her bowl in order to slow down her gulping the contents. Her appetite has never waned, it is still voracious! This behavior would not be welcomed in anyone of us, but when related to our appetite of God’s word, it is a good thing to desire.

David explains his words to us. Why did he open his mouth and pant? Because he “longed for” God’s commandments. His desire for God’s truth is strong. Think of the word yearning. I love this word used in connection with God’s word because it describes a prolonged desire or need, a need that is never completely filled. Let me explain: We can never get enough of the Truth. There is always more. More insight, more encouragement, more instruction, more conviction, more knowledge of God’s love for us and how unfathomable it is! Heaven forbid we ever get to the place where we think we are finished studying God’s truths or have it all together or don’t need more input. The Bible is not a course we take and complete, it is a life-giving, life-sustaining gift from the very mouth of God. It is to be treasured, pondered over, and used frequently. It is quite different than any other book we might have.

Textbooks are used for a time, learned, memorized, spit out on a test and forgotten. They also frequently become outdated as new versions are published. Cookbooks may be used frequently but most of us use them for quick reference then put them away. We don’t ponder what they mean or how a recipe can change our life! Storybooks or novels are read for amusement, for recreation. The Bible is always relevant, not meant to be forgotten and shelved, and hopefully referenced so often that it is always handy. It is meant for us to ponder and it absolutely changes lives as God opens desiring hearts to know Him.

Clickhttp://thensingsmysoultothee.com/in-god-alone/ for more study…

Tag: comfort

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