COMFORT - 19Намуна

COMFORT-19: Nineteen verses of comfort through the Psalms

By Branon Dempsey, M.Div.

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INTRODUCTION

This seven-day devotional guide was written for those affected in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have experienced the stress and anguish that this virus has caused. From health failures to job loss, and from losing loved ones to adapting to a new way of life, none of these circumstances can rightly be compared to another’s experience as they are relevant to the individual who is suffering. 

Don’t all people deserve God’s comfort? Yes, they do. Because we now live in a Post COVID-19 world, our outlook has changed. Our world has changed. But, does this change who God is? Absolutely not. Does this change the way we see God or change the way we perceive the Bible? It can. Not only are we to live well by holding a Biblical view of God and walking in His truth, but we are also to live in the reality of what He gives mankind.  As God's children, we are blessed to receive the eternal gifts of his truth such as unconditional love, acceptance, forgiveness, healing, joy, restoration, and comfort.

Reading and singing of the Psalms can assist in our communion with God by calming our souls and helping us to build a community with people.

Our communion with God is an exchange wherein we discover the beautiful, yet mysterious, work of His compassion and reality of His grace. Listening to God helps us to receive His comfort. Responding to Him helps us to release our pain. 

When we allow the Holy Spirit to open us up completely, we experience the fullness of His healing. Our outflow of tears, words, and heartache are carried away by His waters of healing that restores our souls. 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4 NIV

The Bible does not say that we will never walk through the darkest of valleys.  The Bible does however say that when we do have to walk through those valleys, we will never be alone. God is with us in the dark and we are always protected in the light of His comfort. 

Comfort: kum'-fert ( nacham; parakaleo): These New Testament words are translated as to "comfort," "exhort," or "beseech".  Etymologically, these words mean "to come alongside of," or “to summon for assistance.” To comfort is to cheer and encourage, to dispel grief by the impartation of strength.