“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us” - 2 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)
One particular night I woke up restless with a shiver. Uncertain of it, I started exploring the internet and soon got to know more of its nature and what course of self-medication I could in the meantime take. The following day I contacted my doctor who was able to properly diagnose and advise me.
When a believer runs into a fix or a puzzle, where does he run to? Just as it in that case, there is a guide, and that is the Word of God. Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”
The Word of God provides us with comfort when low. Psalm 27:13-14 says, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” It cheers us when down. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” It gives us strength when down. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” It gives us hope and peace in the midst of tribulations. Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” In moments of sorrow it comforts us. 2 Corinthians 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
And like I had to go to the doctor, the word of God, leads us to the ultimate answer to whatever challenge we may face in this life. Isaiah 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.' For God is our ultimate comforter. Psalm 91:2 says, “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
As believers, we are privileged in that we have a place to run to, whenever in a fix. May we never hesitate to take of its advantage.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God, creator of heaven and earth, what a blessing to know that you have given us the word to give us comfort and hope where faced with any challenges and most of all you are there as the ultimate savior, and we do thank you!
Related upcoming events
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28/04/2024 - 29/04/2024 All day"The Lord is my shepherd!" (Psalm 23:1)
Psalm 23 of David is perhaps one of the best prayers ever written, with nuggets and inspirations, of benefit to us since and
ever before. “The LORD is my shepherd, “David begins.” I lack nothing” (vv 1). What is it that you lack? In his life David had started out as a shepherd, and he knew very well, that a shepherd’s job is to watch over his sheep, feed and water them, and since the Lord is our shepherd, we his sheep shall lack nothing.Verse 2 -3 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” This exactly what a good shepherd does; he takes his sheep to the best fodder, ensuring that his sheep are well fed and rested. When the sheep are restless the good shepherd is troubled. Our God desires and is pleased when we are at peace.
Sometimes we may all find ourselves going through a storm. In Verse 4- 5, David says, "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.” The Christian life is not without difficulties, but here David points us to God as our comforter and deliverer. We always have the staff of prayer to lean on.
In Verse 5, he writes, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” In his tumultuous life, David had to battle with many enemies, ranging from King Saul, to foreigners and members of his own family. He knew a lot about betrayal. And, we too, may face enemies no less, from those that oppose us in our workplace for their ambition’s sake, to those who are not pleased because of the Gospel we preach. Yet here, just as David, we are assured that victory is on our side- this is why our cup overflows.
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (vv 6). The one who walks with God has a fresh smile ever, for God is with him. The blessings of God are with him wherever he goes.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham,
maker of heaven and earth, as David prayed in Psalm 23, may I not be troubled, for you are my shepherd ever watching over me and your goodness goes ahead of me!
