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| 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Blessed be God, the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all COMFORT,
who COMFORTS us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to COMFORT
those who are in any trouble by the comfort with which we ourselves are
comforted by God." “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Psalm 131:1-2  ) |
How-can-i-get-comfort
2014/09/reflections-on-comfort
Memorial-reflections -the death of our only son.
God is the source of comfort
"I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners” (Isaiah 57:18)
"I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies And of the son of man who is made like grass” (Isaiah 51:12)
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psa 23:4)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. (2Co 1:3-5)
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. (2Th 2:16-17)
This past year in our Alzheimer's support ministry we were following the theme of GOD AS A SHEPHERD. (Excerpts from the newsletter.)
Four key passages support this COMFORTING image.
1. Genesis 48:15 "And he blessed Joseph and said 'The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the GoD who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day.'
The point being made that God as Shepherd has been busy caring for our needs consistently.
2. Psalm 23 We were reminded of David, one of the most famous shepherds of all, a faithful leader, an imperfect man who walked in The Valley of the Shadow of death, his incredible journey with so many ups and downs, and intense difficulties.
"I shall not want." the emphasis on God
leading me. How can I lack anything? God is the one shepherding me. What can I ever need?
3. John 10:7-16 We are to keep thinking about Him as our shepherd.
4. Rev.7:14-17 Our Shepherd will guide through eternity. We were encouraged to HOLD ON TILL THE FINISH.
Reflecting again on the metaphor of "God as Shepherd", it brings, we as
sheep incredible COMFORT throughout life.
What is the purpose of this imagery? (Ps.23:3) To glorify the role of the shepherd, to exalt/magnify the Lord. Happy sheep reflect on God's glory.
The ultimate goal on these reflections and meditations on God as Shepherd is to cause us to worship so others recognize his glory, character, and attributes:
His wisdom is on display
Strength & Power on display- He is someone who helps us fight in our weaknesses
His goodness & grace, our souls are at peace.
So how is God leading you in difficulties? These are opportunities to explain
how God is showing himself as a good shepherd in our lives. God's shepherding
is on display in our lives through our adversity and difficulties.
A WORD FROM MY PASTOR ON COMFORT:
The Bible not only instructs us how to think; it also informs our emotions and helps us gain a COMFORTING perspective. And of all of the books in the Bible, the book of Psalms is perfectly suited for times of trouble. In the Psalms you can identify with the psalmist as he expresses his deepest distress, and learn along with him as God teaches him how to view things from His perspective. Viewing things from God's vantage point--that is true COMFORT.May you find COMFORT as you read these "psalms for the anxious," excerpted from John MacArthur's book " Anxious for Nothing"
23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff, they COMFORT me.
Notice that the language changes in verse 4. David now speaks directly to his Shepherd. The Lord guides us through dark valleys of distress and trouble just as through green pastures. His presence with us, through dark valleys where we find ourselves in death's shadow, helps us to overcome our fear. On these occasions the shepherd serves as our personal escort. David also acknowledged the COMFORT and protection of God. The shepherd's rod (a club worn at the belt) was used for beating off animals that threatened the welfare of the sheep. The staff was used to gently guide, and discipline, the sheep along the right path. These implements represent protection and provision. We must remember that the Shepherd knows the path better than we do.
Note: Phillip Keller comments that during the summer months, shepherds lead their sheep up the mountains via deep ravines and valleys to alpine meadows. Then, as autumn approaches, he leads them back into the lower elevations via the same gulches and draws. A shepherd chooses this route for several reasons. First, to lead his flock to adequate meadows for grazing. Second, because it is a well-watered route with rivers, streams, springs, and pools along the way. Third, because the richest feed and best forage is found by the way of the valleys.
Practical Consideration: We do not walk alone.
We never walk alone. The Good Shepherd leads (verse 2), guides (verse 3), and escorts (verse 4) us through life. When we journey through the valleys He walks beside us. He never leaves nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). He knows the right way whether we realize it or not. He will never lead us wrong
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