God Comforted His People

March 8-10, 2014 - God Comforted His People – Bread Card by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 49:13, KJV “For the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon his (your) afflicted.”

Are you unhappy? Are you sad? Are you miserable? You don’t feel like you want to trust the Lord? Are the suffering causes you to give up hope of ever receive something from the Lord? Those are the exact meaning of the word, afflicted. Listen to His Word.  “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me,” (KJV). “When I suffer, this comforts me: Your promise gives me life,” (NCV)  Psalm 119:50.

*The emphasized: MY COMFORT IN MY AFFLICTION … THY WORD. God has ordained that His Word, made powerful by the Spirit, will bring comfort, hope, and strength to His faithful people as we experience trouble and sorrow. Because God’s Word is living, (Heb. 4:12), it has power to revive and restore us who abide in it and in God (John 14:27). When in trouble, turn to the Lord and His Word and wait for His Spirit to give peace to your heart (Phil. 4:6-9). [*Note from the Full Life Study Bible]

Reading: Heb. 4:12 niv, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” John 14:27 niv, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Reading: Phil. 4:6-9 niv, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends (rise above) all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

What impresses me in what Paul said in KJV, “Those things, which ye have both learned, received, and heard, and seen in me, do …” The word, “do” actually interpreted “put it into practice.” That inspires me to realize, how are we “to be comforted” by the Lord? God is a merciful God. God has seen your affliction. Paul had afflictions and Paul explained how he put God’s Word into practice and that was how Paul received the peace of God in his heart. My beloved, if you are suffering, yield your whole body into God’s hand, and let Him hold you and comfort you. Let Him give you peace in your heart to endure all things for Christ’s sake.  

           Song: When We See Christ

Sometimes the sky looks dark, with not a ray of light;

We’re tossed and driven on, No human help in sight;

But there is one in heaven, Who knows our deepest care;

Let Jesus solve your problem, Just go to Him in prayer.

Chorus: It will be worth it all when we see Jesus;

Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase;

So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

(Esther Kerr Rusthoi, Sing His Praise)