COMFORT - 19نموونە

PREFACE

Before we begin,  I must ask, have you given your life to Jesus Christ?  Is He your personal Lord and Savior?

Some readers will skip over these introductory pages in order to get to the main portion of the plan. However, if we miss the critical point of honoring Jesus Christ by offering our lives to him, then reading the rest of this devotional is pointless.  Within life, if we are not aware, we can miss important moments.  Moments that may seem insignificant at the time could, in fact, allow us to observe those essential areas in our lives that God has yet to fill.

So, what if you are not a Christian? Obviously, you have found the topic of "comfort" interesting.  My friend, there is no other comfort in the entire universe as personal, real, and unconditional as the comfort Jesus Christ gives.

Jesus gave His life for you and me. When sin entered the world through Adam, there was a price to be paid.   Sin could only be atoned for by living perfectly under the Law of the Ten Commandments. Understandably, everyone fell short of living perfectly under the Law. So God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to walk the earth, to die an incredible death on the cross, for us, and to rise again into New Life victoriously. Jesus Christ paid the penalty we could not pay, and He offers the forgiveness that only God could render through Him. God desires to take up residence within us through  His Holy Spirit.  Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to walk in wisdom, comfort, and guidance.  Until the Lord Jesus returns from Heaven, or we go to be with Him first, taking us home to God. 

Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Then pray this prayer below…

“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. There is nothing I can do to save myself. I confess that I am helpless because of my sin and that I cannot earn my way into Heaven. I need Jesus to be my Savior. I believe that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world, and I confess that He is Lord. Christ alone bore my sin and died on the cross. He paid the penalty that I could not pay. God, I believe that You raised Jesus from the dead and that His life is a guarantee of my own, future resurrection. I put my faith and trust in You. Jesus, please forgive me of my sin and come inside my heart. Live in me forever by your Holy Spirit. God, You are my Father and I take You at Your Word that I am forgiven. I rest in Your Eternal Life. Thank You for hearing my prayer and saving me from my sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Are you in need of God’s comfort? 

There is something curiously special, and yet unexpected, about the Psalms. We typically skim over the Book of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, also known as the Books of Wisdom.  These books are sometimes recognized as collections of poetry. The Book of Psalms is not a book of songs, actually, it represents words of prayer that were sung to and from God.

God takes great delight in you. Do you want to experience His great love? Are you ready to hear His words of comfort sung over you like a waterfall, to bring healing, restoration, and hope?

Because God delights in us, we find comfort and mercy in the One True God. God refreshes our hearts, restores our souls, hears every prayer, wipes every tear, and always gives new strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

As we look through the Psalms, try not to miss the honest and raw prayers contained in the book. Throughout the Psalms, God teaches and reminds us of a unique way of engaging with Him. As we see the Bible in its entirety, we also see a two-way line of communication in the Psalms: 1.) We hear from God and His word to know him personally. 2.) We respond to God through His word while we worship him humanly.

In essence, we learn how to be comforted by Him. We also learn to seek His wisdom and to worship Him through the Psalms. In this earthly life, especially in times of uncertainty, it is essential to know God in the reality of our pain and in the anticipation of our hope.  The Book of Psalms is a poetic book of the Bible.  

Along with the book of Psalms, there are also the books of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Songs of Solomon.  Collectively, these five books contain the poetry of the nation of Israel. They provide us with important stories, poetry, and wisdom. The Psalms are the first written words of music, and they are known as “the church’s first hymnal.”

Psalms is a book of worship capturing the writers’ response to God from a variety of perspectives and through a wide range of emotions. In the Psalms, we find exuberant praise and overflowing gratitude. Conversely, we also find laments and cries out to God that are filled with fears, heartaches, and disappointments. In their uncertain times of desperation,  we hear the writers cry out for God’s help and comfort while professing the certainty of His salvation and promises.

The melody of human need and the harmony of real-life emotions and experiences resound through the Psalms. In essence, the Psalms identify with our humanity. The Psalms invite us to go deeper in our relationship with God, by exploring the loving nature and power of who God is. The more we read, study, meditate, and even sing the Psalms, the more we worship God with authenticity and ardor. 

As God increases our desire to know Him, His Word inspires us to grow deeper and become more rooted in Him.  Growing deeper with God, then instills comfort in our hearts and provides us with a renewed strength and wisdom to hold fast to Him during challenging times. 

May those who have lost their sense of comfort, or those who need to be strengthened,  find encouragement within these devotions and the undeniable peace God gives through His word and Holy Spirit.

“By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me - a prayer to the God of my life.” – Psalm 42:8

HOW TO USE COMFORT-19

This devotional guide, entitled COMFORT-19, contains seven devotions, along with nineteen highlighted verses from the Psalms. Each verse focuses on the discovery, wonder, and benefit of God’s comfort. 

A few years ago, we produced devotions for worshipers and worship leaders: “The Heart of a Worshiper,” “The Prayer of a Worshiper,” “The Life of a Worship Leader” and many more, in both English and Spanish. The writings revolve around the Psalms. I truly believe that the Psalms speak to the soul because they are filled with human emotion.

As I teach workshops, I resort to the Psalms continually. Similar to how the New Testament Gospel of John speaks to my heart, the Psalms of the Old Testament speak to my soul. The more I worship through the Psalms, the more I find myself studying their meaning and cross-referencing every portion of the Bible. The Psalms expand my heart for worship and deepen my understanding and walk with God. That's why I write and often speak from the Psalms.

As you read through the selected Psalms, pay attention to their meaning. Dig deep in order to extrapolate the intent and purpose of these writings. 

May you become inspired and moved to offer God authentic prayers of worship!

Each of these seven devotions is paired with two or three verses of the Psalms. I offer a brief explanation of the Scriptures: this is meant to help center your thoughts on the words and then guide you in relation to your modern-day encounters of life. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and inspire your prayer, worship, and meditation.  Keep your heart and your mind fixed on the Triune and Eternal God. 

At the end of each devotional, I offer you a reflection in two parts: 

1.) What did you hear from God personally? and 

2.) How can you respond to God humanly? 

You might find it helpful to read these prayers and use them as a springboard for your own communication with the Lord. 

Open your heart to God’s Word as He speaks and moves you into a deeper walk and fellowship with Himself. 

Let us begin now in prayer.

“Lord, open our eyes to see Your wonder. Speak to our souls as Your Word leaps off the pages into our hearts. Comfort our very being and deepen our worship with You. May we respond to You, by Your very word, and give You authentic praise and transparent prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”