Comfort, comfort my people' was the prophet Isaiah's cry at one of the worse times of Israel's history. As we remember the atrocities of our day, it seems the greatest need today is for the very same ‘comfort.' The world has not gotten better. It feels like catastrophic events are spinning out of control. So again, 'comfort my people' is the only appropriate response.
What brings 'comfort' in such tumultuous and uncertain times? Only our God! He is the only true God. He promises and provides 'comfort' in the most difficult of times.
"May undeserved favor and endless peace be yours continually from our Father God and from our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort. He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us. And just as we experience the abundance of Christ’s own sufferings, even more of God’s comfort will cascade upon us through our union with Christ. If troubles weigh us down, that just means that we will receive even more comfort to pass on to you for your deliverance! For the comfort pouring into us empowers us to bring comfort to you. And with this comfort upholding you, you can endure victoriously the same suffering that we experience. Now our hope for you is unshakable, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings you will also share in God’s comforting strength.” 2 Corinthians 1:2-7 -TPT
The prophet Daniel; while foretelling the end of this age, made a strange statement. "And you? Go about your business without fretting or worrying. Relax. When it's all over, you will be on your feet to receive your reward." Daniel 12:13, The Message.
How could he make such a proclamation? He had seen the end of the story. He knew; in Christ, we win. That is why we must 'comfort' each other. We can see beyond the present trials and tribulations. It is 'comforting' to know that all is not for naught. Our comforting Father is using all things for our good and his glory.
Daniel also said in this final prophetic admonition, "Men and women who have lived wisely and well (putting their trust in Christ) will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others (shared their faith with others) on the right path to life will glow like stars forever." Daniel 12:3, The Message, parentheses mine.
This is why I write this devotional. It is my hope to bring 'comfort' in the midst of difficult times. If you focus on what Papa is up to, you will be comforted. This is always (without exception) what Father God is up too.
Shout for joy, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice, be in high spirits and glory with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem [in that day]! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, even the Lord [Himself], is in your midst; You will no longer fear disaster. In that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not be afraid, O Zion; Do not let your hands fall limp. “The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. .Zephaniah 3:14-17 Amplified
Be comforted! Ron Ross
Comments