I grew up in a traditional Southern Baptist church in sleepy little Magnolia, MS. Many of my experiences there (some positive, some challenging) shaped who I am and the way I lead in my role at Venture today. A well-meaning church member made a comment to me once about a more progressive song we sang in worship – “I didn’t like that song we sang today. It’s one of those 7-Eleven songs. You know, seven words sang eleven times.”

I didn’t have a response to that remark in the moment, but I do believe there’s something to the power of repetition. If you’re keeping track at home, the word “comfort” appears ten times within the nine verses of today’s passage. When something shows up that often, I’m inclined to pay attention to it!

When Paul references “comfort,” it’s not the comfort that probably comes to mind for you and me. It’s not the sweatpants I put on on Friday afternoons and don’t change out of until Sunday mornings. It’s not my comfort zone, a place where I love to dwell but where I will never really grow. In this passage, “comfort” refers to the overall disposition that comes from resting in God’s sovereign and loving rule.

Paul had a better experience with afflictions than anyone. He says that at one point, things were so bad, it felt like he was just waiting for death. But what he gained from that experience was true comfort and an understanding of real hope.

My study Bible describes biblical hope not as wishful thinking – but rather as “total confidence in God’s promises for the future based on His faithfulness in the past.” In other words, hope is grounded and anchored because it’s based on evidence. It’s not a shot in the dark, but an assurance – a promise. And comfort is a state of trusting that God will keep His promises.

So, when we face afflictions of our own, whether they be circumstances or states of mind, may we trust in the promise of our God who raises the dead. May our hope lead to comfort, and may our comfort lead to joy.

Reflection:

• THINK: Reflect on how God has been faithful to you in the past.
• PRAY: “God, thank You for all the ways You have demonstrated Your sovereign and loving rule in my life. Give me real hope today – not idealistic thinking, but total confidence in You, because You’ve earned it. Amen.”
• ACT: Open “The Countdown to Christmas” advent calendar on the Venture Church app, and tap door 18 to download a digital bringvite to Christmas Eve at Venture. Post it on your social profiles to invite your friends to experience the same hope and comfort you’ve found in Jesus.

Family Application: Comforting Hope

Author: Nichole McCardle

Yesterday, we learned that even as followers of Jesus, we will face hard times and sad situations. But, we were reminded of the living hope found in Jesus and his power to help us through those situations. Another gift God gives us during those hard times is comfort. Think about how you feel when you crash on your bike. I would bet you look towards your parents or family members to help scoop you up, tend to your injuries, wipe your tears, and squeeze you with a big hug. Parents and family members love us and comfort us when we are hurt and sad. In 2 Corinthians 1: 3, Paul refers to God as “The Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” As our family loves us, God loves us even more and is always there to comfort us in all situations.

• Just as you look to your parents for comfort when you fall off your bike, you can look to your Heavenly Father for comfort when you are sad or scared.
• Verse 4 tells us that when we go through something difficult and are comforted by God, we can then comfort others too. Next time you see a friend who is sad or scared, try to remember a time when you felt the way they do. Encourage your friend and remind them that God loves them, and He is with them.
• Prayer: God, You are so loving and kind! Thank You for always taking care of me and comforting me when I need it. Heavenly Father, help me to always come to You when things feel scary, sad, or too much for me to handle. Amen.