Comfort in the Crucible of Calamity
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV, emphasis added)
Any casual perusal of local or international news reminds us that we live in perilous times as well as how profoundly problematic, perverse and perplexed people can be. Consider these recent news headlines:
“Texas explosion kills two and injures twelve”
“Body in beer cooler found in Braves stadium”
“Five people dead at Annapolis Newspaper shooting”
“Law officials charge over 600 in Health care fraud and opioid crack down”
“Man clings to the hood of vehicle traveling over 70 mph on interstate 95”
“California on front line as STDs run rampant in US”
As long as we live in a fallen world we should expect the negative headlines. Consider with me what Scripture declares about the conditions and the realities of the world in which we live.
“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19 (KJV)
This verse relays that the entire world is subjected to and set in wickedness.
“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4 (KJV)
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)
The world wants us to walk in chaos, conflict and conceit. It also covets to cover us with crisis and condemn us to catastrophe. It advances anxiety and is deliberate in directing us into a disquieting dungeon. So, the truth is that we live in a world of trials and tribulations. Even our Lord Jesus reminded us that we are not exempt from experiencing troubles and dire difficulties.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (KJV)
However, I want you to know that when we are caught in the crucible of calamity the comfort from heaven is offered from the hand of God. Our text tells us that He is the God of Comfort! When we are tossed by the turbulence of trials, God will lift you out and deliver you down in a divine Lazyboy of love and security. Just as our Lord was sleeping in peace in a boat being pounded by a perilous tempest (Matthew 8:23-27), we also can experience His peace and comfort when we clothe ourselves in a blanket of blessing (His transcendent truth). If you are deeply troubled, let Jesus touch you with His truth.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1 (KJV)
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 (KJV)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” John 10:27-30 (KJV)
When you trust the Truth, you transform your trial and trouble into tranquility. Consequently, you will be caught in the comfort of Christ.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR