Read Psalm 119:49-56 49Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. 50This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. 51The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. 52When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord. 53Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. 54Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. 55I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law. 56This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
What brings you comfort in affliction? What is your source of hope when trials come, and sorrow seeks to overwhelm your soul?
For the psalmist it was the promise of God. The promise that was found in the covenant that God made with David and his family. The promise that God would be a father to the King and to his offspring. The promise of an eternal throne and an eternal home. The promise of a son who would be his savior.
As Christians we understand these promises to be realized in the New Covenant blessing of Christ in us. God is the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3), not because he simply consoles us when we are down, but because he has made great and precious promises to us. Promises that restore participation in the divine nature and provide escape from corruption. Promises fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ living in us.
2 Peter 1:3-4. 3His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
To live is Christ is to find comfort in union with Christ and all the blessings it brings. Lesser comforts may ease the burden momentarily. False comforters will increase it. Only one comfort can give divine life in the midst of world of death – Christ in you the hope of glory.
You: What brings you comfort in affliction?
You in Christ: How does our union with Christ give us comfort for both the present and the future?
Christ in you: Which promise of God fulfilled in Christ brings you comfort today?
Prayer. Father, be my comfort in sorrow. May I grab hold of your great and precious promises today fulfilled by Christ in me. Amen.
To Live is Christ 