As we experience this time of rapid change in our world, it is causing a loss of stability and consistency in our lives. Many people do not know to cope with the stress this creates. The Bible tells us that God wants to comfort us.
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. – Isaiah 40:1
Last week in our Zoom group, as we talked about our need for “comfort” we shared the different ways had experienced the comfort of God in our lives. Comfort (Grk parakaleo) means to come near, to call, to provide solace.
In my blog, see how God strengthened my spirit and comforted me in a Miami hospital: https://judithdoctor.com/the-valley-of-the-shadow-of-death/
Scriptures on comfort
As you read the following Scriptures, think about how God has comforted you at different times in your life.
Old Testament
- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want … your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Ps 23:1,4
- Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. – Isa 40:1
- The Lord has anointed me … to comfort all who mourn, … Giving them … oil of gladness instead of mourning. – Isa 61:1-4
- The LORD will comfort Zion … Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and sound of a melody. – Isa 51:3
New Testament
- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Cor 1:3-4
- Rather forgive and comfort him, lest somehow such a one be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. – 2 Cor 2:7
- But we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God who comforts the depressed [humble], comforted us by the coming of Titus. – 2 Cor 7:4-7
- For this reason we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. – 2 Cor 7:12-13
- That your hearts may be comforted, having been knit together in love. – Col 2:2
- When we could endure it no longer… we sent Timothy, our brother … to strengthen and comfort you as to your faith, so that no man may be disturbed by these afflictions. – 1 Thess 3:1-2
- Therefore comfort one another with these words. – 1 Thess 4:18
- Comfort one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. Appreciate those who labor among you. – 1 Thess 5:11
- 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. – 2 Thess 2:16-17
Do you need the comfort of God?
Hannah Whitall Smith, in her classic book, The God Of All Comfort, teaches how we can experience deep comfort and joy in our souls that cannot be found anywhere else. Read her book at: http://articles.ochristian.com/book11833.shtml
Go to Jesus
I like to think of this Scripture as offering me the greatest invitation I will ever receive:
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest … and you shall find rest for your souls. – Matt 11:28-30
Simply go to Jesus now, the one whom God has anointed to comfort us. Be emotionally honest with him and ask him to comfort you in his time and in his way. He will!
Can you share how God has comforted you sometime in the past?