While writing the rough draft on my first book of David’s Wives, I’ve been enjoying his Psalms during my morning quiet time. Reading a Psalm comforts me in a way no other Book of the Bible does. Biblehub.com says David wrote these Psalms:
- 1-41
- 51-71
- 138-150
If you’ve read any of my Deep-O-Tionals studies on Genesis, you know I like to dive deep into a few Scripture verses for each day’s study and apply them to a specific something that’s happened in my world.
I haven’t necessarily experienced any great CRISES recently, but we’ve been going through some changes and dealing with a few uncertainties. I needed a little comfort from my big, strong Heavenly Father. Can you relate?
As I read Psalm 20:1-3, I understood four specific ways God has comforted me lately–and in the past. I hope these four simple reminders will encourage you with the comfort I received (2 Cor. 1:3-4)!
#1 – God Answers
“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!” Psalm 20:1a ESV
There are many Psalms in which David cries out because he feels the Lord is distant or silent (i.e Psa. 13, 22, 62). In Psalm 20, however, the king prays that Yahweh would ANSWER His people in the day of trouble, and in most of David’s psalms, we see the same theme played out. Even when he has sinned, he prays with hope and faith that God’s steadfast love and mercy will reach beyond David’s sin and find a way to communicate so David can hear His Voice.
Can God speak in a way for you to hear Him? Or is your inability to hear Him somehow greater than an all-powerful God’s ability to answer in a way that comforts you?
#2 – God Protects
“May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!” Psalm 20:1b ESV
One of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling especially down or discouraged is focus on the various Names of God. He is El-Shaddai: Almighty God. El-Roi: the God Who sees me. Jehovah-Jireh: my Provider. These are some of the biblical Names that God and His patriarchs gave to reveal His character to Israel. But it also teaches Gentiles the fullness of the Heavenly Father’s love that sent Jesus to fulfill both the Garden’s promise as Serpent Crusher (Gen. 3:15) and Abraham’s promise to bless all nations (Gen. 18:18).
Which of God’s Old Testament Names comforts you in your current circumstance?
God also uses images throughout Scripture to help us relate to aspects of His character. He’s described as a Bridegroom, Father, Good Shepherd, Gardner, Fortress, Deliverer, etc.
Is there a word-picture of God in the Bible that makes you feel especially safe or comforted in the moment?
#3 – God Sends Help
“May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!” Psalm 20:2 ESV
God’s sanctuary (and Mt. Zion) have always been associated with the places where God’s faithful followers gather! It is from other faithful worshipers of Jesus that we often feel His warm hugs, hear wise counsel, taste yummy food, perhaps read an encouraging note or receive a financial boost. Help can come in many forms from God’s people; from our local church or from a brother or sister hundreds of miles away that we’ve never met.
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26–27 NIV
Do you need to let someone know you’re hurting or need help? Do you need to help someone in your local church or perhaps at a distance with a practical act of kindness?
#4 – God Remembers
“May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!” Psalm 20:3 ESV
There is only one thing God forgets: our confessed and repented sin (Isa. 43:25; Heb. 8:12). When we have asked for His forgiveness, He remembers our sins no more. Instead, He remembers our “offerings” (praise), and He keeps our tears in a bottle (Psa. 56:8 ESV)! In other words, our Heavenly Father is more concerned about rejoicing with us in the good times and tending to our hurting hearts than keeping record of our wrongs.
How might it change your current circumstance if you were convinced God remembers all the GOOD things you’ve done?
My Ah-Hah Moment
In the late 90’s, when my chronic illness journey began, I struggled spiritually for many, many months. I read the Book of Psalms many times, and each day it brought comfort to my troubled soul. Even the Psalmists who cried out against God’s silence or expressed their anger toward God encouraged me to be transparent with my Creator.
I learned to examine how I truly felt and then express it to the One who already knew–but to Whom I needed to say it aloud. Yes, He already knows, but to write it down or to say it to Him in prayer is both necessary and comforting.
Before I received my diagnoses, I received God’s comfort and ultimately a deep peace. How? Because in the ranting and railing, I came to an important conclusion. No matter what medical science discovered was malfunctioning in my body, I was in the care of my good, good Father.
Knowing and believing that God. Is. Good. makes all the difference in the midst of struggle. I highly recommend reading the Psalms and talking to Him until you discover His sweet comfort for yourself. 😉
Today’s Question:
- When do you feel God’s comfort most?
