In God is great consolation. We need not despair even in trying times of suffering, for God is gracious and full of mercy. Our trials do not test God in any way, as if anything is difficult for Him, but we are tested by trouble God allows. God has a miraculous ability to use great pains to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-6, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." God allows difficult and painful circumstances so we might look to Him as our comfort. Our natural bent is to avoid anything which resembles tribulation, yet these trials are opportunities for God to abundantly comfort and console. When Paul suffered persecution for the sake of Christ, he recognised other believers were strengthened and encouraged by his steadfastness. Likewise, when Paul was comforted those praying for him were encouraged by the answers God supplied.
Consolation is a word we don't use often in conversation which is defined in the Webster's 1828 Dictionary as, "The primary sense is either to set or allay, to give rest or quiet, or the sense is to strengthen, in which case it coincides with the root of solid. The latter is most probable. To comfort; to cheer the mind in distress or depression; to alleviate grief, and give refreshment to the mind or spirits; to give contentment or moderate happiness by relieving from distress." When I think about being "consoled" it is the picture of a mother or father gathering their distressed little one in their arms, assuring everything will be alright. The one offering comfort has not changed the situation at all, but their presence changes everything; their assurance is received as gospel truth without question based upon their loving relationship and compassion towards their little one.
So it is with God's consolation of his distressed little ones who face all manner of suffering He allows. He does not always intervene and change our circumstances to our liking, nor does He change the past. But He offers us His divine presence and speaks truth from His Word to comfort us when our world seems to be falling apart. Whatever disturbs our hearts is not beyond His power to change, but He seeks to change our hearts in the midst of trials to implicitly trust Him and look for no deliverance except by His strength and power. In all tribulation there is abundant consolation for us, and this is the birthright of every child of God who turns their eyes to Jesus. Praise the LORD for the rest and strength we find in our Saviour!
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-6, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." God allows difficult and painful circumstances so we might look to Him as our comfort. Our natural bent is to avoid anything which resembles tribulation, yet these trials are opportunities for God to abundantly comfort and console. When Paul suffered persecution for the sake of Christ, he recognised other believers were strengthened and encouraged by his steadfastness. Likewise, when Paul was comforted those praying for him were encouraged by the answers God supplied.
Consolation is a word we don't use often in conversation which is defined in the Webster's 1828 Dictionary as, "The primary sense is either to set or allay, to give rest or quiet, or the sense is to strengthen, in which case it coincides with the root of solid. The latter is most probable. To comfort; to cheer the mind in distress or depression; to alleviate grief, and give refreshment to the mind or spirits; to give contentment or moderate happiness by relieving from distress." When I think about being "consoled" it is the picture of a mother or father gathering their distressed little one in their arms, assuring everything will be alright. The one offering comfort has not changed the situation at all, but their presence changes everything; their assurance is received as gospel truth without question based upon their loving relationship and compassion towards their little one.
So it is with God's consolation of his distressed little ones who face all manner of suffering He allows. He does not always intervene and change our circumstances to our liking, nor does He change the past. But He offers us His divine presence and speaks truth from His Word to comfort us when our world seems to be falling apart. Whatever disturbs our hearts is not beyond His power to change, but He seeks to change our hearts in the midst of trials to implicitly trust Him and look for no deliverance except by His strength and power. In all tribulation there is abundant consolation for us, and this is the birthright of every child of God who turns their eyes to Jesus. Praise the LORD for the rest and strength we find in our Saviour!
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