The Bible provides hope and comfort to believers, especially in times of distress and uncertainty. This gives strength and enables the believer to hold on till his change comes. The scriptures when received is like one having the highest judge on your side declaring you as the winner of the case.
How does the bible give hope and comfort?
1. Promises of God
It contains numerous promises that offer assurance and hope. Truly, God, through the scriptures has given us His word concerning every issue of life. And He said that He watches over His words to fulfil them. So, understanding the Lord’s commitment to His words to fulfil them gives him, who believes, the hope and comfort he needs. In-fact, the scriptures are God’s thoughts put into writing, targeted at giving us a future and a hope through His peace
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope – Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
These promises of God make you laugh at your present challenges and shun the fears of tomorrow, because of Gods integrity.
For example, Philippians 4:19 says
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
This scripture gives you comfort and hope of constant supplies of your needs by God. As such it gives no room for fear of lack and want.
2. Presence of God
God had said that He would never leave nor forsake us. And the Bible reassures believers of God’s constant presence and care. For in His presence you have fullness of joy and pleasure, which comforts you.
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:11 (NKJV)
Some scriptures that clearly assure you of comfort in time of distress because of the Lord’s presence include:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 (NKJV)
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. Psalms 91:4 (NKJV)
Surely, receiving God’s word in your heart comforts your soul, because it’s like God wrapping you round with His hands in a warm embrace.
3. Eternal Perspective
It offers an eternal perspective that helps believers endure temporary trials. This is because God’s thoughts are higher than man’s thoughts and His ways are higher than man’s own too. As such when you received the word of God and walk by it you will be operating in the Lord’s realm. Hence, you will see things His own way, thinking and acting like him.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 (NKJV)
This eternal perspective will make you see things working all together for your good. And it will make you not cry over challenges but see them as channel by which you get to your high place. Also, it will make you to see obstacles as stepping stones unto higher grounds. So, what is to break you will make you. Hallelujah!
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away – Revelation 21:4 (NKJV).
Joseph, by this eternal perspective saw the wickedness of his brothers (who sold him into slavery) as the Lord’s way to preserve his family during the terrible famine
4. Encouragement in Suffering
When a believer is downcast, the scriptures that come alive in him surge strength and comfort to his soul. It takes away the pain and replaces it with faith and peace. The same goes when someone comes and shares the word of God with him, his spirit will be lifted and his faith will surge on to overcome the challenge
Passages that address suffering and perseverance provide comfort and strength like the following
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us – Romans 8:18 (NKJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing – James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
Truly, persecution is real, and it’s only the word of the Lord that will sustain a believer going through it. For, it is the pillar that will never give way when you lean on it. Rather, you will be strengthened and refreshed, ready to pull down your enemies
Indeed, the word of God is a soothing ointment to a suffering soul. This also, should be apply often with the aim to keep suffering away or minimized to the minimal.
5. Stories of Faith
The bible is an account of God’s dealings with individuals and nations; however, it’s centered on the children of Abraham, the Israelites. Also, most of these dealings are stories of faith exercised by individuals; accounts of biblical figures who trusted God during adversities. And these stories of faith inspire and encourage many people who read and study them. It empowers them to trust God too, believing that He who helped them will also give them their own victories. This gives them hope and comforts them.
Men and women of faith
Hebrews chapter eleven is a chapter full of exploits of men and women who went through hard times but emerged victorious because of their faith in the Lord. These help to encourage anyone who may be passing through such ordeal. In addition, they will give him the faith and patience required to wait for his deliverance, or victory
The story of Joseph
Also, in Genesis 37-50, we have the story of Joseph, who had great dreams of future power and authority, but went through a wicked encounter with his brothers. This led to his slavery, then imprisonment before ascension to the throne as the second in command in the land of Egypt. However, the stories tell how Joseph remained steadfast in his trust in God. And how he held onto his fear of the Lord, and his unfeigning faith in God and his word.
Furthermore, the story tells how he forgave his brothers and attributed what happened to God’s perfect plan for them. Then, he treated his wicked brothers well and promised to continue to do even after the death of their father, Jacob.
This Joseph’s story will give hope to anyone still waiting for the manifestation of God’s promise to him. And it will encourage him not to give in to temptations that may come his way, but to remain in faith. Also, it makes it clear that God’s word will never fail in the life of a believer who remains in obedience to the Lord. Again, the story buttresses the scripture that says that all things work together for the good of them who walk upright. This will, give hope and comfort to the believer.
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