Comfort

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save...... Zephaniah 3:17

There is a saying that you probably know well; 'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.'  In other words, make the best of what you can out of what comes your way. This satisfies our need to make sense of our situation, but sometimes life just does not make sense at all.

You will probably remember poor Job.  His dire situation made no sense at all to him, or to his wife.  Their responses were very different towards the situation.  Job sat in contrite repentance and faith for a better day when God would come through as Restorer.  And He did!  Job's wife was extremely angry about the situation in all her grief, and understandably so.  Her advice to her husband was "just curse God and die." (Job 2:9). In other words,  "Put an end to your misery, get it over with."  She couldn't bear to see her husband suffer.  Those who have watched a loved one suffer pain and anguish will fully understand her response.

Job's friends, on the other hand had all the advice in the world.  They spoke with authority but without understanding, empathy or compassion. In fact their view of God was totally different from Job's. God dealt with them later.  We must remember that it is not necessary for us to provide a reason  for someone in their suffering.  Most people would rather have loving, silent empathy than pious talk.

I tend to think that Job believed what the prophet Zephaniah wrote in the above verse, even though the words had not yet been written in Job's day.  He knew that no matter what his situation God was still mighty to save and more importantly, that God was still with him. He humbled himself before God in his pain and  suffering and continued to believe that God could deliver him and vindicate him. And He did.

In your pain today will you choose to believe that the Lord your God is with you in the midst of your trial?  Will you allow him to work it out in His time and way?  If you find that too difficult you could ask Him to help you; for strength, patience, and peace.  He is always ready to come to our aid in time of need. He sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter (John 14:16), one who will strengthen and help us and walk alongside us.  Let your trial bring you closer to God as you trust Him  with your future. Bring God into the midst of your trial, He alone is mighty to save.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, you see my pain, you alone understand as no one else can.  Will you send your Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen me according to your word.  Amen