Greetings in the name of our comforting God. When life is
difficult, stressful, or painful, humans long for comfort. They want a kind
word, a tender touch, an understanding friend. God does those things so well.
"In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts
delight my soul" (Psalm 94:19).
The unidentified psalmist felt that he was at the point of
no return, on the brink of falling, possibly even death. It was God who
protected and upheld him. In his overwhelmed state, the psalmist was comforted
by God.
The word "comforts" means "compassion"
or "solace," and it could also be translated
"consolations." The word is used only five times in Scripture, and
those five references give us a precious picture of the compassionate comfort
of our God.
In Job 15:11, the term refers to gently spoken words. These
words are designed to bring comfort. This is someone saying the right thing at
the right time in the right tone of voice. Such kindness indicates sensitivity
and tenderness.
In Job 21:2, the intent is again designed to bring comfort.
Job says he wants his friends to give comfort or consolation by listening to
him and by letting him talk without attacking him. Such a practice acknowledges
the pain of the speaker. It places importance on the one who is hurting by
allowing him to talk of his pain without having to jump in and make the
listener the focus.
In Isaiah 66:11, Jerusalem is compared to a baby that is
taking comfort from his mother's breasts as he nurses. This intimate
interaction can calm a crying child, can put him in his "happy
place," can make him forget whatever scared or upset him. The need may not
even have been hunger, but the close cuddling and satisfying sustenance bring
calmness and rest while dispelling the negative input.
In Jeremiah 16:7, the term refers to a drink offered to
someone in the time of bereavement for their parents. The drink itself isn't
that special, isn't magical. Rather, it's the compassionate heart that prompts
the offer. It is the acknowledgement of the pain and the intentional action
that wants to do something, however small, to express kindness in a time of
pain.
In Psalm 94:19, the consolations quiet and delight when
previously there were multiplied anxious thoughts. This speaks of pleasure or
amusement; this is, God's consolations take a situation that is sad or
unpleasant, and they distract away from that. They give comfort as the
unpleasant is taken away or forgotten, being replaced by something pleasant and
light.
God's consolations come in times of sorrow, trial, disquiet,
or grief. They are gentle, reassuring, considerate, compassionate, solicitous,
intimate, nourishing, deliberate, and supportive. And God gives these
consolations at times when they are particularly needed for the purpose of
calming and drawing the focus away from the trouble.
May God tenderly comfort you in whatever pain or sorrow you
are facing. May the gentle assurance of His love lift your heart and spirit,
allowing you to love and minister, even if you thought you were on the brink of
falling. May God enable you to show true comfort to those who are hurting
around you, so that they too can rejoice and find hope in God.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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