The God of all Comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"
2 Corinthians 1:3

Volume 3 of 18

Comfort from
Knowing
And Doing
God’s Will

"Teach me
to do your will,
for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me
on level ground."
Psalm 143:10

Perhaps in all that we are asked to do, there is nothing more unsettling, nothing more discomforting than to be given an assignment without being given any clear instructions as to how to go about completing it. "Just Do It" may be fine as a slogan for athletic shoes, but it does not work so well as a philosophy of life. Do what? How are we to do it? There are just too many questions that attend such an ill-defined philosophy, however well intentioned.

We crave clarity. We like clearly defined routes to follow. We like simple and clear recipes and pictures are always an added bonus.

Comfort comes from knowing what to do and how we are to go about doing it. Operating in an information vacuum is never pleasant.

Isn’t it amazing that God has provided us with information so that we can know His will for our life. Every human has available to them God’s operating manual for a wise, successful, and happy life. All that God requires of us are two things: 1) read His word, the Bible, in order to know His will, and 2) do as instructed.

Knowing and doing are both requirements if we are to receive any comfort from the Lord. One without the other will not do. Without both, frustration will surely be the only result.

What do observe in our own life and in the lives of others who fail to faithfully follow God’s instructions? Those that refuse to read to learn of God’s will for them are in a constant state of darkness, wandering blindly as they try to seek the "good life." Those who, to some degree, have read some of God’s word, but fail to put it into actual practice also find themselves marked with frustration, disappointment, and constant discomfort.

If we are sincere in our desire to walk upon level ground, surely we will seek to know God’s word and knowing, do all we can to faithfully live God’s will in our daily life. That is where true comfort may be found.

Daily meditations:

Day 1 – Reflect upon the Bible as a gift from God
Day 2 – Read and reflect on the words of Psalm 1: 1 – 3
Day 3 – Read and reflect on the words of Psalm 119: 97 – 104
Day 4 – Read and reflect on Matthew 5, 6, & 7; the Sermon on the Mount
Day 5 – Develop a systematic plan for daily Scripture reading
Day 6 – Develop a plan to daily put God’s word into action
Day 7 – Reflect upon how the Bible brings comfort and clarity to your life.