God's Comfort
God's Comfort9
The Word Brought Nigh to the Sorrowful
By Andrew Bonar0GEN 21:17PSA 112:4LUK 12:292TI 1:7Andrew Bonar emphasizes God's compassionate presence in times of sorrow, illustrating how He cares for even the most distressed individuals, like Hagar, and reassures them through His promises. He encourages believers to trust in God's guidance and provision, reminding them that their lives are orchestrated by Him, and that all things work together for their good. Bonar highlights the importance of prayer and casting our cares upon God, assuring that He is attentive to our needs and will provide peace amidst turmoil. He draws on various scriptures to reinforce the message that faith in God alleviates fear and anxiety, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and comfort.
He Has All Comforts at His Disposal
By Thomas Brooks02CO 1:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of all comfort, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. He explains that true comfort cannot be found outside of God, who possesses every imaginable form of comfort, especially in our deepest troubles. Brooks reassures that even in our lowest moments, when we feel overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, God is there to console us, and His comfort is timely and perfect. He highlights that no external circumstances can hinder God's ability to provide comfort to His people, making it a vital aspect of His nature. Ultimately, Brooks encourages believers to continually seek God's comforting presence in their lives.
It Is I, Be Not Afraid
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 23:4PSA 94:19ISA 41:10MAT 14:27JHN 14:27ROM 15:132CO 1:3PHP 4:6HEB 13:51PE 5:7A.B. Simpson illustrates how God's love comforts us similarly to a child finding solace in a mother's embrace. Just as a child forgets their troubles in the warmth of maternal affection, we too can find peace in God's presence, which reassures us with the words 'It Is I, be not afraid.' Although our circumstances may remain unchanged, God's love fills our hearts and satisfies our needs, allowing us to forget our fears and doubts. In His presence, we exchange our sorrows for joy and comfort, breathing in His peace and rest.
None Saith, Where Is God My Maker,
By F.B. Meyer0JOB 35:10PSA 30:5PSA 34:18PSA 42:8ISA 41:10ISA 61:3MAT 11:28ROM 15:132CO 1:3PHP 4:6F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God during our darkest nights, whether they be filled with doubt, bereavement, or discouragement. He encourages believers to turn their thoughts to God, who can transform our sleepless hours into moments of hope and song. Meyer shares personal anecdotes of how God can lift the burdens of despair and fill our hearts with joy, reminding us that even in our struggles, we are not alone. The sermon calls for a response of faith, urging us to embrace the songs our Maker provides in times of trouble.
Tender Comfort
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 34:18ISA 66:13MAT 11:28C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound comfort that a mother provides, illustrating how God mirrors this tenderness in His role as our Comforter. He invites us to approach God with unreserved confidence, knowing that just as a mother empathizes with her child's grief, God understands our sorrows and weaknesses. Spurgeon reassures us that we can share our troubles with God without fear of judgment, as He is compassionate and gentle. The sermon encourages us to begin and end our days in the presence of our loving God, who never tires of comforting us.
I Call to Remembrance My Song in the Night
By Octavius Winslow0PSA 77:6ISA 54:7Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of recalling the 'music' of past spiritual experiences during times of darkness and despair. He reassures Christians that even in their darkest nights, they remain God's children, and the Holy Spirit will bring back the comforting melodies of faith to soothe their hearts. Winslow highlights that periods of affliction are temporary and serve a purpose in God's plan, reminding believers that they are still under His care and love. He encourages the faithful to seek the hidden harmonies in their trials, as God has provided songs of comfort for every midnight of their lives.
Yet the Lord Will Command His Loving-Kindness
By Octavius Winslow0PSA 30:5PSA 42:8PSA 119:50ISA 41:10MAT 5:4JHN 16:33ROM 15:132CO 1:3PHP 4:71PE 5:10Octavius Winslow emphasizes that despite life's trials, God commands His loving-kindness, providing comfort and songs in the night. He illustrates how true joy and peace can exist even in the midst of suffering, as God, the source of all consolation, inspires a deeper music within the hearts of believers. Winslow reassures that the Christian experience, though often misunderstood by others, is filled with a hidden joy that transcends external circumstances. He reminds us that those who mourn will ultimately find comfort in God's presence and promises.
Letters: Mr. David Dickson, His Brother-in-Law (1)
By Andrew Bonar0PSA 103:14LAM 3:33ROM 8:28PHP 4:6JAS 5:16Andrew Bonar writes a heartfelt letter to his brother-in-law David, expressing concern for David's ill son and encouraging him to find solace in God's love and purpose during this difficult time. He reassures David that God's afflictions are not given lightly and may serve to deepen their prayer life and reliance on Him. Bonar shares a touching story of a boy who, despite his illness, expressed faith in Christ, reminding David and Charlotte of the hope and peace found in trusting God.
The Ministry of Sorrow
By J.R. Miller0ISA 43:1J.R. Miller emphasizes the 'Ministry of Sorrow' as an essential part of Christian life, illustrating how sorrow serves as a divine educator, leading believers to deeper faith and understanding. He draws parallels between earthly trials and the heavenly glory that awaits, suggesting that through suffering, Christians can develop tenderness, patience, and a closer relationship with God. Miller uses metaphors such as the dim lamps of comfort that shine brightest in darkness and the bird learning to sing in the shadows to convey that affliction can reveal the beauty of God's love and purpose. He reassures that God's presence and comfort are always near, even in our darkest moments, and encourages believers to trust in His eternal love. Ultimately, Miller concludes that the trials we face are not without purpose, as they prepare us for the splendor of eternal life.