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We are pretty predictable human beings, and one thing we can always predict is that we will have times of trouble in our lives. No one is exempt. As the poet H.W. Longfellow wrote, “Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary.” But we can take comfort from these words of Jesus:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be
of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
One of the things we tend to do when we are facing life's challenges is to turn to our “comfort foods” - usually beloved foods from our childhood that invoke feelings of happiness, love, and contentment within us. You know, foods like macaroni and cheese, chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes and gravy, all those delicious (and fattening!) foods we love. The foods that soothe and comfort us.
While there is certainly nothing wrong with seeking comfort when we are sad, lonely, hurting, or facing any problems in our lives, there is also great comfort to be found in the Holy Bible. Jesus has told us that He is the Bread of life. The words of Jesus can be a great comfort to us in all the difficult times in our lives.
Therefore, while we fill our physical bodies with our favorite comfort foods, let us also fill our spirit
with comforting words straight from the source of all our help and comfort. Read them, meditate on them, and what they mean in your particular time of distress. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with assurances of God's presence with you during your difficulties.
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. (Psalms 23:4)
Blessed be God, even 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 them who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, who has loved us, and has given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through grace, Encourage your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work. (2 Thes. 2:16-17)
"Fear not; for I am with you: do not be dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened." (Matt. 7:7-8)
But now the LORD who created you, O Israel, says: Do not fear: for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you belong to Me. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not drown you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. (Isaiah 43:1-3a)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hear you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Yea, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you. (Jeremiah 31:3)
"Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your soul." (Matt. 11:28-29)
"Is anyone of you thirsty? Then come to the waters, even if you have no money. Yes, come, buy and eat; yes, come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for food that does not nourish you?
and your labour for things that do not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul take great pleasure in it's richness." (Isaiah 55:1-2)
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)
I will never forget My chosen people. Can a mother forget her baby, and not have compassion on her own child? Yet, even if a mother could forget her child, I will not forget you. Just look: I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your picture is always before Me. (Isaiah 48:15-16)
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
"The LORD bless you, and keep you: The LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
And the LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul even in drought, and make fat your bones: and you will be like a well-watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)
Look, and listen! The LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither is His ear deaf, that it cannot hear. (Isaiah 59:1)
But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler. (Ps. 91:4)
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:21-23)
Truly my soul waits upon God: from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. (Psalms 62:1-2)
He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (Psalm 91:1-2)
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
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I hope these words comfort you as you go through your trials and difficult seasons in life, as they have comforted my soul many times. Search the Scriptures for others
that may speak to your heart. Memorize your favorites so that you will always be able to draw on them, anytime and anywhere. And finally, my sisters and brothers in Christ:
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And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philppians 4:7)
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