Our Comforter

I was thinking about some pretty “heavy” stuff a couple weeks ago when I was hurt by some news that my aunt had told me.  I’d like to share with you something that a famous author and pastor wrote in a commentary about when we feel pain and anguish, how we can turn to our Comforter:

“The recognition of ‘’God’s power to hear your hurts is a key component to experiencing His tender love. In the midst of great pain, Jeremiah acknowledged his sadness and the ability of God to comfort him. So he cried out, ‘I would comfort myself in sorrow; my heart is faint in me” (Jer. 8:18).

“There is no such thing as a life without pain and trial, and therefore no such thing as a person without need of comfort. Don’t let anyone deceive you into thinking that the key to leading a joy-filled Christian life is avoiding pain; that simply is not possible in this sinful world, and neither is it profitable for us. God could choose to insulate you from hurt, but instead He allows you to experience the rough times that draw you closer to Him.

“Out of your pain comes a need for God. As He ministers to you and you accept it with thanksgiving and a desire to learn, you become equipped to minister to those He places within your reach (2 Cor. 1:3 ,4). Hurting individuals know there is no substitute for experience.”

~Charles Stanley “Life Principles Bible”

David endured many trials and tribulations throughout his days.  Through these, he sought refuge in His Maker-the only One he knew that he could find true comfort.

As Dr. Stanley said, it is impossible to avoid pain, but God has given us the necessary tools to overcome the feelings that go along with it. God does give us some very promising verses in His Word to give us hope and comfort in these times though.

~Job 5:15 “But He saves the needy from the sword,
                 From the mouth of the mighty,
                 And from their hand.”     

~Ruth 2:12 “The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

~Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;..”

~Psalm 31:24 “Be of good courage,
                        And He shall strengthen your heart,
                        All you who hope in the LORD.”

~Psalm 50:15 “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

Though we may be hurting because a loved one has passed on, an opportunity of a life time was just taken from our hands, or it may even be just a day where everything seems to be going wrong that we feel that God has deserted us, we can rest assured that no matter how much pain that we may experience throughout our lives, if we call out to God, He will comfort us. He will never turn away His children.

We will never be alone in our good times and bad times, because God has given us a Comforter: the Holy Spirit.  He dwells in us and comforts us when we know there is no other place to turn. We then, can reach out to those around us and be a comfort to them.

The last verse that I would like to leave you with is an excerpt from the 23rd Psalm:

~Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

God bless,
Anna