Devotional March 28 2020How do we address fear in these times through our faith?…by seeking
comfort from God.
Several years ago, I worked outdoors in Florida during the summer
months. The heat was so overbearing that it was very easy to fall prey
to heat exhaustion and dehydration. One particular day the heat felt so
horrendous that all I could do to find comfort was to sit in the shade
to cool off. This experience helps illustrate what the Apostle Paul
tells us in 2 Corinthian 1:3-4. God comforts us in our times of trouble.
“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 have received from God.
God is able to comfort us in a number of different ways. One of the ways
God comforts us is by delivering us from the situation in which we are
experiencing troubles. God may bring an end to a particularly difficult
season of life. The difficulties could stem from a relationship conflict
at home or a stressful work environment. God’s comfort may come from
being removed or removing whatever hardship we face. In Daniel 3 we read
about how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were delivered from being
executed by King Nebuchadnezzar and the effects of the blazing furnace.
Another way He comforts us is by strengthening us in the midst of our
difficulties. It may very well be God’s will for us to endure whatever
hardship life is subjecting us to, however God is able to strengthen us
by words of encouragement from other believers and the Bible. That
encouragement may result in new found strength and courage to continue
on. Daniel 3:16-18 we see an example of this principle.
“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar,
we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are
thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us
from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he
does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods
or worship the image of gold you have set up.'”
In both scenarios God accomplishes His purpose of revealing His glory as
we are able to attest to others of God’s provision. As these uncertain
times bring troubles our way, seeking comfort from God is one way to
address fear through faith. Let us all turn to the God of all comfort
in prayer and in our study of the word.