COMFORT - 19Sample

Day Six

When using something over a long period of time, it can wear out and parts can break. As an example, in being a worship leader, I own a variety of microphone, guitar, and music stands. As much as I love my equipment, they are susceptible to wear and tear.

My favorite go-to microphone stand has unique pivot extensions and locking features. However, there is one key turn screw that has stripped out. I have to position the mike in such a way, that the extension arm does not roll over, thus, causing the mike to dip down. I love working with this stand, but due to its worn-out mechanism, it is a nuisance.

Life can be very similar, as in the allegory of working tools. All things seem to go great for a while until heartbreak occurs. So, what do you do when your best tool fails? Do you allow it to limit you, hinder your joy, and cause grief? Do you feel as if you cannot carry on? Or, do you just fix it?

It seems like David is in constant need of repair. He is up one minute and down the next. He is happy; he is sad. He is a roller-coaster of emotions. You look at his life and think: “Man, this guy had so much heartbreak.” At times I wonder, how did the people in the Bible get through it? All these whimsical rides of emotions and array of scenarios, as we see in David, the prophets, the disciples, and even in Jesus. But have you ever asked the question just why did God record these events in Scripture? 

I believe God put these wide experiences and ranges of emotions in Scripture so we can learn and identify with them. We, too, are often like David, and other Biblical characters, yet God still teaches us his love. Through the power of His word and through the Holy Spirit, we receive His comfort, direction, and help.

Psalm 119:50 says: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”

We see the same Biblical reality of those turning to God’s Word for comfort.

The prophets declare in Job 6:10, “It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One,” and Isaiah 50:4 “to know the word that sustains the weary.” We even see Jesus in Mark 4:4, “'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” And, let’s not forget Paul in Romans 10:8 “But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:”

In every page of the Bible, there is are individuals turning to God’s Word, longing for His truth, seeking His wisdom, and anticipating the return of His comfort. We wear out and may become broken, but we are never without the Word of God. He replaces each fragmented mechanism and repairs each worn-out part.

My favorite chapter in the Book Psalms is none-other than the grand and famous chapter of Psalm 119. 

This celebrated Psalm has several remarkable characteristics. It is divided into twenty-two parts or stanzas, denoted by the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza contains eight verses, and the first letter of each verse is that which gives name to the stanza. Its contents are mainly praises of God's Word, exhortations to its perusal and reverence for it, prayers for its proper influence, and complaints of the wicked for despising it.

Psalm 119 may be considered as a life-span of a believer's experience. The mountaintop views and valley lows expressed come from the influences of the Holy Spirit. The pardoning mercy of God through Christ is the only source of comfort to the sinner’s heart.

Our happiness stems from God’s established grace and forgiveness. We believe in God’s testimonies and depend upon His promises. When we become damaged and cry out to the Lord, He hears, saves, and restores us. 

We take on comfort in Yahweh as the Word of God speaks comfort in our affliction. Through God’s grace, we are sustained and strengthened. Through His love, He makes uses each discomfort to make us more like Him.

“I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.” - Psalm 119:52

I’m not a huge fan of the phrase: “God never gives us more than we can handle.” Though this observation is relative, it is not found directly in the Bible. Instead, I prefer the Psalm 103:14 that states: “He knows how we are formed, He remembers we are dust.” It is certain that we are human, and it is certain that He knows our capabilities. 

Our plea is in His truth: “Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me.  Please make me healthy and strong again. (Isaiah 38:16 CEV).

We should be assured that we have and believe in His divine Law. We are met by His grace and nothing else will prevail. The seal of His Holy Spirit will never be broken. God’s blessings of comfort and encouragement are still the same. In every season of affliction, in every silent hour of the night, He recalls our being and knows how to revive our souls. 

Reflection: 

When were the moments in your life when something was broken? How did you feel about asking God to fix it, even if you had asked him several times before? Give this some more thought before answering. What do you think of the idea that prayers of asking are not only to get answers but to also draw you closer in relationship with God? It becomes less about the item you are praying for and more about knowing the God to whom you are praying.

Prayer:

Instead of me writing a prayer to follow, try reciting Psalm 119:33-40 as your own prayer. Allow the words, phrases, and imagery to sink into your soul. Don’t rush the reading. Take your time with each stanza. Listen to what the Holy Spirit says then respond to the Lord from what you read. In the end, see if it changes the way you pray. Use your own words to offer yourself to God. Let this be a time of humble submission and honest inquiry.

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, 

      and I will keep it to the end. 

34 Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law, 

      and observe it with my whole heart.

35 Lead me in the path of Your commandments, 

      for there I delight in it.

36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies 

      and not to selfish gain!

37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; 

      and give me life in your ways. 

38 Confirm to your servant your promise, 

      that you may be feared.

39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,

      for Your rules are good.

40 Behold, how I long for Your precepts; 

      in your righteousness give me life!

- Psalm 119:33-40 ESV