The God Of All Comfort

When the struggles and heartaches of life come to us, how grateful we are that we serve the one true and living God. It is our faith in God that sustains us, especially when the tumults and troubles of life hit us with a ferocious force. As the apostle Paul exclaimed, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (II Corinthians 1:3).

There is within most of us at least a certain degree of questioning and even doubts when tragedies come to good people. Tragedies never seem fair. The cry that is often heard is, “Why did God allow this to happen?” Or regret may be expressed in statements that begin with the phrase, “If only I had . . .” Questions may linger deep within the soul for many, many years.

But the reality is that questions relating to heartaches and hurts are seldom satisfactorily answered. In fact, an emphasis on such matters can do us much harm. Instead we need to place our focus on that which is sure and certain. This is where we can gain strength that will enable us to successfully function, even when unanswered questions and troubles invade our lives.

In all of life, we can have absolute confidence in the reality and existence of God. It is He who created and sustains this world. The beautiful emphasis of our text is that God is “the God of all comfort.” Indeed, it is from God that all comforts flow. When we hurt, God is aware and concerned. As His faithful children, we have the confidence that He cares. As the apostle Peter reminded suffering Christians, “Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). The Psalmist David stressed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

“The God of all comfort” is greater than any heartache or stress we may experience in this life. We can depend on His “exceedingly great and precious promises” (II Peter 1:3). While difficulties will sometimes come to us in life, we can persevere with the Lord’s help. As the apostle John assures us, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (I John 5:4).

Even when it seems that our world has been broken and shattered, the one true and living God remains steadfast. His love for us remains (I John 3:1). Our hope in Him remains anchored (Hebrews 6:19). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5 & 6).

There may be times in our lives when we wonder if the tears will ever stop flowing and if our hearts will ever quit hurting. But while questions and doubts may linger, the promises of the God of all comfort remain true. May we seek to put our faith in Him, as we are urged in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Our Heavenly Citizenship

Every four years our nation is involved in a presidential election. Most of the attention is focused on the candidates of the two major political parties. The campaigns can and often become heated.

What should be our reaction as Christians? Just here, the question is not concerning which political party or candidate is better. Instead we need to keep before us the proper perspective. While we are thankful to live in a country where we have the freedom to vote, please remember our greater citizenship is our heavenly citizenship.

Personally, I believe Christians should vote. But no matter who wins the election in November, it will remain true that this earth is temporary. But our heavenly citizenship is eternal. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

All Of Us Need Help

The scene is a child struggling to accomplish a difficult task. He had thought this would be something he could do. But it has proven more difficult than first thought. On one level, he is ashamed to admit defeat. But on another level, reality is being slowly realized.

Another scene is of a person who has reached the point of accountability in his/her life. Many gospel sermons have been heard and many Bible classes have been attended. Also, friends and loved ones have tenderly pleaded for this person to obey the gospel. But thus far, this person has refused to obey. But the pressures of life and the inevitability of death have begun to weigh on the person’s mind Can this person ever be made to realize their soul’s deep need?

The preceding scenarios clearly illustrate the reality that each of us needs help along the pathway of life. This is true in a practical sense. But sometimes pride gets in the way. But on a deeper level, purpose of life, security, freedom, peace of mind, and the forgiveness of sins cannot be realized outside of Christ. Indeed, the gospel of Christ contains the only hope for mankind.

Mankind’s need for God is clearly in the following petition of Jeremiah, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). God has placed within the heart of mankind, who has been made in His image (Genesis 1:26 & 27), a longing for Him. Please consider the fervent desire expressed by the Psalmist, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1). Truly, the Psalmist realized his need for God, as he exclaimed, “The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid” (Psalm 27:1).

Remember that it is not just that God can help us in our lives, but that He longs to help us. He does not want anyone to be lost! He earnestly desires our obedience and faithfulness to Him (II Peter 3:9, I Timothy 2:4). Also, Jesus invites us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Here is a basic principle of life: each of us needs help. May God help us to turn to Him with our obedience and faithfulness.

Where Is Your Mind?

The human mind is an interesting component within us. It affects practically every area of our lives. Also, it has a strong bearing on our success or failure as a person. What are some of the guidelines presented in the Bible concerning our minds?

A good beginning point is in Colossians 3. The apostle Paul begins this chapter by reminding Christians of their relationship to Christ and how this is to impact their lives, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (verses 1 & 2). Here we learn what is to be the spiritual direction of our thoughts. Indeed, thoughts of Christ and His way are to be the driving force in our daily thought patterns. Vincent, in his classic book on word studies, suggests that “seek” in verse 1 marks the practical striving and that “set your mind” in verse 2, describes the inward impulse and disposition.

The Bible certainly teaches that we do control our thought patterns. If we choose to think negative thoughts, it will result in our being negative persons. But the opposite is always true, if we strive to think positive and optimistic thoughts, these attitudes will be clearly seen in our lives. In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul presents an inspired pattern for our daily thoughts, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” One person has wisely commented that you do not have to look very closely to find the Lord Jesus in Philippians 4:8. In a very practical way, it would be helpful if each of us would regularly examine our thinking and thought patterns by pondering each of these characteristics.

The principle set forth by Solomon remains just as true today, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). These passages certainly should impress us with the importance of guarding our thoughts. If we will succeed here, our lives will be wonderfully impacted.

Intentional Daily Christian Living

Christianity is a daily religion. It is designed to influence in a positive way everything that comes our way. Our faith as Christians, which is grounded in God’s Word (Romans 10:17), gives us strength when we are stressed and hope when we feel hopeless. Only in Christ can we find real meaning and purpose for our lives.

Please ponder the following points that relate to this matter of intentional daily Christian living: “If Christ walked with you each day, heard everything you said, knew the very intentions of your heart – how would you live? Friend, our Lord does walk with us, does hear our words, and does know our heart!”

Our Lord said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).