Psalm 119:50
This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. Psalm 119:50
The way God designed our relationship to be with Him is truly remarkable. Through faith in Jesus, He provides comfort in our afflictions, leading to eternal life. Even the Psalmist, writing in Old Testament times, points us toward Jesus and the Gospel.
"This is my comfort in my affliction," Even under the law, the Psalmist recognized his need for healing from illness and forgiveness for sin. Through faith, he looked beyond the law to the need for a Jewish messiah.
"...that your promise..." He understood from the Old Testament prophets that God had promised Israel a redeemer, a savior, a messiah. He deeply felt his need for God's everlasting grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.
"...gives me life." He was aware that the Old Testament hinted at a future resurrection. He knew that his life was from God and was sustained by God, and that faith would keep him holy and set apart as a descendant of Abraham.
Even before Jesus's arrival in the New Testament, the Psalmist had a glimpse of the promised Messiah.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
– 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
Today, we often seek comfort in unsatisfying ways. We turn to temporary creations, expecting them to fulfill promises they cannot always keep. We seek a fulfilling life through work, marriage, friends, community, and church, only to find that these can let us down.
…for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. – Jeremiah 2:13 ESV
We indulge in this temporary life and remain thirsty. We feast on entertainment and still feel hungry. We binge-watch videos and end up feeling empty and alone.
Desiring comfort is not wrong. More crucial, however, is where you seek it.
If you are struggling with where God has you, Burke Care would love to walk alongside you and hear your story. Consider talking with a member of the Burke Care Team today!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. --2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV
Amen!
Application Questions:
Where do I find myself going to find comfort when I am stressed, alone, anxious, sad?
Have I considered the amazing, blood-bought grace that comes through placing my faith in Jesus?
Why do I so easily pursue cheap substitutes that do not satisfy when I know the promises of God?
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