The Lord Comforts

I, even I, am he who comforts you
(Isaiah 51:12).

Several years ago, I experienced a trying time in my life and found great
consolation in the above Scripture and similar verses. I've found that regard-
less of what I'm going through, the Lord is present to comfort me.

Even in the unlikely book of Job, I found an assuring verse: "Now acquaint
yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you" (Job 22:21).
As we acquaint ourselves more and more with God, we find His grace and peace
to be more than sufficient. He can keep us strong regardless of what happens.
God is able to free us from hurts of our past and our present.

"When God's Word really becomes a part of your inner life, you have something
upon which to base your life," "No longer can fear beat you into the ground when
a problem arises. You have confidence because of God's Word."

The Lord wants to bring us to a place of knowing Him so well that we feel
His comfort and peace when there seems to be no reason for it. When we feel
weighted down by the anxieties of life, the Lord can lift us up and give us
unspeakable comfort. To give comfort is one of the Lord's wonderful ministries
to us.

Many things that happen to us are simply the result of living in this world.
We have a choice of allowing unpleasant happenings to make us bitter or better.
If Jesus lives in us, our old life is finished and our new life is complete
in Him. We can accept the comfort He offers.