CHRISTIAN LIFE & GROWTH

The Comfort of Christ

By Laurel J. Davis
See Laurel's blog at The Reluctant First Lady

Whatever you're going through right now, God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Wow. Did you get that? No matter what your problem, no matter what your trial, no matter what your fear, God can do — not just all that you ask of Him, not just above all that you ask, not even just abundantly above all that you ask — but God can do exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or even think.

Those words should comfort you. They are the Word of God, who is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulations (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) and Who comforts those who are cast down (2 Corinthians 7:6).

"Okay," someone might say, "but these are just mere words. How can I be sure God really will help me through my problem or fear?"

The first thing to do is realize that God's words are not just mere words. No, God's words are:

• the words of life (John 6:63);
• living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12);
• profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17);
• eternal (Matthew 24:35);
• faithful (Titus 1:9); and
• above all, true (James 1:18)

Who else's words have that much going for them?

And because God never changes, His Word is just as reliable to guard and guide you through whatever battles you're facing today as it was for the battles of His people in Bible days.

Once you realize how faithful God's Word is, the next thing to do is learn more of what He says so that you can find real comfort. You'll learn that you should expect trials and tribulations in your life (John 16:33; 1 Peter 4:12). And you'll be encouraged when you learn that:

• God is our help and our shield (Psalm 33:20);
• God preserves us from trouble (Psalm 32:7);
• God's power is exceedingly great toward us (Ephesians 1:19); and
• God's promises are exceedingly great and precious (2 Peter 1:4)

Read and be comforted by the well-known Psalm 23 and particularly Romans 8:31-39, which assures us in grand style that we are more than conquerors through Christ.

As you're learning more about God's faithful promises toward you, the next thing to do is to faithfully act on what He says. For instance, God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). So, prayer is crucial, especially in the midst of your battles. Let Psalm 34:4-6 be your example: I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears . . . This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. See also James 5:16 and Philippians 4:6-7.

Also crucial is to worship even in the midst of your woes. God is still worthy of all our praise and worship regardless of what we're going through. He is still almighty. He is still awesome and powerful and fearful and wonderful. Worship Him for who He is and not just for what He can do for you.

Some other ways to act on God's Word are:

• [cast] all your care upon Him; for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 6:25-33; 11:28-30);
• Don't focus on the weight of your troubles but focus on the weight of the power of God to help you through them (2 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 4:8-9); and
• Put on the whole armor of God so that you can stand strong and victorious in our awesome Overcomer, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:10-18).

There are plenty of other ways to find comfort in Christ, such as attending a sound church, fellowshipping with other strong Christians, serving others in the name of Jesus, and of course reading God's Word daily. Look how good God is to give you so many ways to find exceedingly abundant comfort in Christ!

Tags: Biblical-Truth | Christian-Life | God-Father | Hardships