November 22

The God Of Patience And Comfort

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus, — Rom 15:5 BSB

We all need patience and comfort, especially during times of stress and difficulty. Patience, when enduring prolonged trials; comfort, when the heart is on the verge of breaking—and God is the source of both! He is the God of Patience: “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” He is the God of Comfort: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” Let us quiet all other voices of consolation so that we may hear the still small voice of the Comforter, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

But note that God’s comfort comes through the patience and comfort found in the Holy Scriptures. “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope.” What the Bible has meant to martyrs, sufferers on the rack, harried Covenanters, countless persecuted souls, exiles, and the bereaved can never fully be expressed.

If we were condemned to exile and could take only one book of the Bible with us to Patmos or prison, it would be hard to choose. Some might select the Psalms, others the Gospel of John, or perhaps that profound anonymous work, the Epistle to the Hebrews. Each one would offer enough material for a lifetime of study. His Spirit will continually teach and lead us, ever increasing our capacity for God.

Isn’t this comforting? The minister who led you to Christ or nurtured your spiritual growth may pass away or be moved; the friend on whom you relied for guidance may have to leave you—but our Savior will continue His care for us. His nurturing presence and unfailing intercession will never end, even when the sun has ceased to shine and the universe is wrapped up like a worn-out garment. His ministry is unchangeable. The God of Patience and Comfort will never fail us!

Prayer

Comforter of the comfortless, bind my soul to Yours in intercession! Wherever there are broken hearts, heal them; captives, release them. Especially bless my loved ones. Visit us with Your salvation and meet our needs in Your grace. Amen.