Thought to Ponder: He is our Refuge

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Isa 66:13 NKJV

When you’re troubled, remember: (1) God’s comfort is real. Do you recall being sad or afraid as a child? And do you remember feeling the comfort of your mother’s presence? God’s comfort is even more real than your mother’s was then. “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” God’s more concerned about you now than your mother was in your childhood. “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast…? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isa 49:15-16 NIV). You can always count on God when you need comfort! (2) The Comforter lives in you. When we’re suffering, God seems distant and inaccessible. But He’s not. Jesus resolved that concern for His anxious disciples—then and now. “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (Jn 14:16). The Holy Spirit who forever abides in you is closer to you than the air you breathe. He’s equipped, willing, and able to comfort you. He will sometimes do it by reminding you of a verse from a hymn, a line from a poem, a sermon you heard, etc. When He does, believe it. Say to yourself repeatedly: “The God of all comfort lives permanently in me!” (3) Scripture brings comfort. The apostle reminds us “that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Ro 15:4). When you’re down, you may not feel like reading the Bible. Do it anyhow. It’ll bring you the comfort you long for. (bob gass)