SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1396

“Comfort”

As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; – Isaiah 66:13

Comfort is Desired

It is in our human nature to desire comfort. We like our comfort zones, comfort foods, and comfy clothes. We strive for a comfortable house within which we have a comfortable room and chair. We surround ourselves with icons from which we derive comfort: stuffed animals, a blanket, pictures, and memorabilia. Such worldly comfort is highly subjective. It is temporary at best and easily disrupted by life circumstances.

Biblical Comfort – Unlike the inanimate objects that we derive temporary comfort from, the comfort from God is living, active, steadfast, and everlasting. The word in the original Greek text translated as ‘comfort’ is ‘paraklésis’ which carries the meaning of comfort, encouragement, exhortation, and consolation.

Note that the word ‘paraklésis’ shares a common root word origin with ‘paráklētos’ from which we have the descriptive word ‘paraclete’ for the work of the Holy Spirit as our advocate, counselor, and helper.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever – John 14:16

Comfort from God is through the indwelling abiding presence of His Holy Spirit.

Comfort in Uncomfortable Times – In this world we will have tribulation – Jesus told us to expect it. During these difficult trials – all the comfort we derive from worldly things vanishes. Only the comfort from God through His Holy Spirit gives us peace that the world cannot understand.

This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. – Psalm 119:50

Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27

Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

Comfort Received, Comfort Given – As we receive God’s comfort in our time of need, we are to be a good steward of His grace and extend that comfort to others.

Blessed be the 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… – 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace – 1 Peter 4:10

Take Comfort in His Commandments – Have you ever been uncomfortable driving on a twisty mountain shelf road without guardrails? It is in our nature to derive comfort from the structure of rules and regulations – the guardrails of life, and God’s Word provides us comfort through His commandments.

When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord. – Psalm 119:52

Take Comfort in His Word – Comfort derived from a lie is false comfort – a fooling of oneself. Comfort derived from the Truth of God’s Word may initially feel uncomfortable due to conviction, but in the end His Truth brings comfort through restoration.

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32

Take Comfort in His Presence, Protection, and Provision – Comfort comes from abiding in Him.

Even 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. – Psalm 23:4

Take Comfort in Your Salvation – Through faith in Jesus you have the promise of eternal life.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. – John 10:27-30

Benediction

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17