Two-minute read.
Penning Psalm 94, the unknown author felt despair from the multitude of thoughts within him, but trusted God’s comfort. Seeking the Lord will lead to finding comfort, but we must first turn to Him. Many a time I have felt sorrow, from losing loved ones, broken relationships, unexpected job loss, and getting knocked off my feet in various ways. But God always comforted me, and in the most unexpected ways.
Sometimes, scripture comforts me. Going through a recent disappointment, I wanted to quit. Everything seemed pointless; the prayers I prayed went unanswered. The seeds I planted didn’t appear to take root. But then I read one verse, and it changed everything for me.
“But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town.”
Acts 14:20
Referring to Paul, the crowds stoned him, dragging his body out of town, thinking they had killed him. With believers surrounding him, probably praying for Paul, he got up and returned to the city. My mind imagined the apostle standing up, determined to share Christ’s love with those who had just tried to murder him. With a confident stride, he went back to work, knowing they needed Jesus in their lives. The more I meditated on Paul’s total devotion to the mission and the persecution he endured, the more I realized my troubles paled in comparison. Sixteen words comforted my heart and cheered my soul.
Miracles happen every day, but we don’t always notice. One way or another, God cheers our souls in intimate and personal ways. In our suffering, Jesus suffers with us. He walked in the fire with Daniel, sailed through the storms with the disciples, and endured the cross for our salvation. Christ comforts us in our pain and cheers our souls with His presence.
Journal Questions:
How has God comforted you in your pain?
In what ways do you seek the Lord during difficult times?
How does Paul’s example help you keep going?
Joyful Application:
Find a way to share joy with someone going through a difficult time.
