GOD OUR COMFORT

When I'm in trouble, where should I go first for comfort?
Psalm 119:52  I meditate on your age-old laws; O Lord, they comfort me.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17  May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in his special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say.

Since God is our ultimate comfort, his Word is our greatest resource for comfort. God's Word is as close as our fingertips, and God himself is as close as our whispered prayer.

How does God give us comfort?

Comfort when we grieve.
Psalm 23:4  Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Comfort when we are discouraged.
Psalm 147:3   He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.
 
Comfort when we are overwhelmed.
Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.will never be seen again.

Comfort when we are persecuted.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
1 Peter 5:7  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
 
Comfort when we are rejected.
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Comfort in the midst of conflict.
Psalm 138:3 When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.

Comfort when we are afraid.
Genesis 26:24  Where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. "I am the God of your father, Abraham," he said. "Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant." 

Comfort when we are ill.
Psalm 41:3 The Lord nurses them when they are sick and eases their pain and discomfort.

Comfort when we wonder about our plans for the future.
Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 
How can we comfort others?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4  All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. 4He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

The comforted becomes the comforter. That is the role God has for us. As he comforts us in our time of trouble, so we comfort others.

Promise from God:
Nahum 1:7  The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him of every mercy and the God who comforts us. 4He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

                                     The Life Application Bible Notes