Tag:

comforter

Finding Comfort From The Word Of God

by Sarah Crockett December 7, 2023

written by Sarah Crockett

There are so many things other than Jesus that people go are finding comfort in these days – relationships, food, entertainment, and the list goes on. But the truth is that the only lasting kind comes from finding comfort in Christ.

What Does The Bible Say?

Here are ten Bible verses that provide comfort. Before reading through them become aware of how you are feeling. Then read these 10 verse and check back in with yourself.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” – Psalm 91:4
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my savior; in him my God, I will find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my life, and my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 I hope these verses bring you some comfort. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Pray

Holy Spirit, thank You for being the Comforter. I ask that You would surround me with Your wrap-around presence. I only want to be finding comfort in You. Teach me to come to you first, for You truly care for me. Amen.

_____________

Let God Hold Your Hand

by Corine Channell April 19, 2020

written by Corine Channell

Fear will stop you dead in your tracks. It will make you distrust your own shadow. Fear will divide you from love and have you questioning the truth. It’s staggering how fear is so destructive in and of itself.

By the way, it’s true – fear is a liar. The goal of it is to keep a strangle hold on our heart, rob our peace, separate us from others, and ultimately destroy us.

Don’t Live In Fear

Personally, I can’t live like that. I refuse. I choose to pay attention, have my eyes wide open but not be consumed by all the troubles at hand. You can be wise and fearless at the same time. Pretty sure God never intended us to be consumed with anxiety and fear. That would be the other guy – the enemy of our soul.

Yes I fully know who I am. I know my own strengths and weaknesses. This current rearranging of life has mentally kicked my butt. Whatever was normal or abnormally normal to each of us, has changed. Some in big ways; some in small, but life as we knew it, has changed. I can tell myself (and do) all the words, all the truths, and all the inspiration. I’m still tired. And, it’s okay. I’m also still strong.

“If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trusted, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” (Jeremiah 12:5)

Basically we have the current opportunity to learn to walk with the footmen so later we can run with the horsemen. It’s an ongoing process; it’s a journey. One step at a time.
Pace yourself.

What If…

Prior to writing this blog my heart was heavy; my fears were suffocating. I was having too many ‘what ifs’ (not good ones) run through my mind. I felt heavier and heavier; weighted down and too weary to go on. It felt like there was a deeper level of anxiety I had fallen into.

I took a brief moment to turn on worship music (and turn off the news). Immediately my soul felt like it caught on fire. The song playing was ‘Fear No More’ by The Afters. I sobbed and began to worship God, and all of a sudden the fears and all the ‘what ifs’ and the heavy burdens vanished as I turned my eyes off of fear and on to Jesus. “When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19)

His grace and love and strength and peace were greater than the sum total of all my cares. Fear laid down at His feet. Fear had no power in His presence.

Finding The Safe Place

Nothing in the world ( or in my corner of it) has changed, but my heart ran to the safe place I know so well. Peace was restored. Hereafter I will try not to wait so long to cast my cares on Him. He truly brings a peace the world can NOT give; and the world can’t take it away. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“Every anxious thought that steals my breath.
It’s a heavy weight upon my chest.
As I lie awake and wonder what the future will hold.
Help me to remember that You’re in control.
You’re my courage when I worry in the dead of night.
You’re my strength ’cause I’m not strong enough to win this fight.
You are greater than the battle raging in my mind.
I will trust You, Lord.
I will fear no more.”
(‘Fear No More’ by The Afters)

The lyrics of ‘Fear No More’ were truth to me. They resonated deeper than that level of anxiety I had sunk to. No pit is too deep but God’s truths are deeper still. He truly calmed the storm of fear raging in me.

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

Basically, God came to His fearful child and held her hand. I am changed.

April 19, 2020 0 comments

Articles

Reading the Bible with the Holy Spirit as Your Companion

by Jared Laskey August 26, 2019

written by Jared Laskey

We Need Both the Spirit and Scripture

As a student in Bible college and seminary I was given tools, “rightly handling the word of truth,” (2 Timothy 2:15). Bible study methods and the art of studying Scripture were taught by great professors and scholars. However, I had a hard time combining what the Holy Spirit said in the Bible, and what He is saying in the present through spiritual gifts and in my personal time spent with Him. But I knew He is my present companion and Comforter and enjoys speaking to His kids.

Most literature said we could not combine both for fear of taking Scripture out of context. There seemed to be a great chasm between studying the Scripture and the present work of the Holy Spirit. Many Spirit-filled denominations and associations are guilty of teaching this disconnect, confusing their ministers in training.

But that is far from the truth. We need both the Spirit and Scripture. Through on-going study and revelation, I learned that the wonderful Holy Spirit is still speaking through Scripture! The great chasm can be bridged. Not only has He spoken as recorded in Scripture, but He is speaking. Continually revealing Himself to us through the Bible and to present circumstances.

Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Many people tend to think this refers only to hearing the preaching of the gospel. But it actually refers to preaching and prophesying. It includes the written word of the past but also the Spirit-empowered spoken word of the present. And what He is saying to us personally, to our churches and movements will not contradict what He has said in the Bible.

Jesus, the Living Word of God

Our time reading the Bible should be exciting and adventurous, a personal encounter with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. An oft-quoted Bible verse in our churches is Hebrews 4:12. Most pastors and leaders quote it referencing the Bible. And I think that is well and good, but misses the point seen before verse 12 and after it.

If you look a little closer it is not just talking about Scripture. In context, it is talking about Jesus the Word of God. And the verses before Hebrews 4:12 are elaborating on God speaking creation into existence, and according to John 1:1 Jesus is the logos Word of God. And Hebrews 4 ends with Jesus as High Priest, our spoken confession.

Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” And the Holy Spirit helps us encounter Jesus every time we read and study the Bible.

The Simple Question

The wonderful Holy Spirit must be included in our study of Scripture. He is the best teacher (Nehemiah 9:20, John 14:26, 1 John 2:27). Fellowshipping with Him enhances our understanding of the Bible. Increasing our faith as we continue growing in friendship and community with Him and one another.

This week in your Bible study, please continue your observations, interpreting and applying what you’ve read. But add one simple question to your study. Ask the Holy Spirit directly: “What are you showing me through this Scripture, Holy Spirit?” Then wait on Him, writing down what He says to you. He is the sole reason I have published the Spirit Empowered Journal in the US and UK with this direct question for Bible study.

In the next article in this series I will share another simple step adding to your Bible study, Reading the Bible in Community. I believe it will help empower you, enhancing your spiritual growth, and equipping us to be Spirit-empowered.

August 26, 2019 0 comments