God Comforts His People

Probing Your Own Heart

Did you know the Father needed to comfort and encourage the Son?

Do you believe God's resources are sufficient to your (emotional) needs?

Building on Some Foundational Concepts

Man despises the Father's Chosen One.

You could look back through history and find abundant evidence of this. Better yet, though, tune in to what's going on around you. The Father choosing the Son makes little difference to most. That shows disregard for both the Father and the Son. Even the current celebration of the Chooser, the Chosen, and the Choice isn't. The season has become that of "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4). What is happening in your life this Christmas season? Would you say it is an accurate revelation of the disposition of your heart toward the Father and His Chosen One?

The Father sustains and empowers His Chosen One.

I am so blessed by some fragments of Isaiah 49:8 -- "I heard thee...I helped thee...I will preserve thee." I know the Father directed these words of promise and assurance to the Son. But as another son and chosen one of the Father's, I claim them for me as well. If Jesus needed them, think how much more we need them! This reminds that He who sends does not simply turn loose those whom He sends. He goes with them to sustain and empower!

The Chosen and Despised One meets our needs.

Just as the Father met His needs, so the Son meets the needs of His chosen ones. The prisoners He sends forth into freedom. Those groping in darkness He brings into light. He promises (and delivers!) ample provision and protection. In His mercy He leads and guides. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). So do not despise the choice of the Chosen One -- He chooses you! Today, right in your "real life" and in your busy-ness, give recognition to Him, acknowledge His presence with you, live as a chosen one.

Questions and Responses

How can I become an encourager?

One way is to tune in God. Ask Him to speak to you each day. Ask Him to sharpen your hearing. Ask Him to direct your speech. "The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned" (Isaiah 50:4).

Obey God. When His message to you concerns your own needs and failings, embrace His message with your life. Do not turn away from it! "The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back" (Isaiah 50:5).

What do I do when I don't know what to do?

Fear the Lord. Obey Him. Trust in Him. Lean on Him.