1. Finding Comfort In the Lord

2. Comfort in the Lord The world has many challenges: Jhn 15:18-19; 2 Ti 3:12 The world has many challenges: Jhn 15:18-19; 2 Ti 3:12 But God gives us the comfort we need to overcome. But God gives us the comfort we need to overcome. Let learn how to find it. Let learn how to find it.

3. Draw Near to God We cannot find comfort in just any person, but those most familiar to us. We cannot find comfort in just any person, but those most familiar to us. If we want to find comfort in the Lord we must draw near to Him (Js 4:8). If we want to find comfort in the Lord we must draw near to Him (Js 4:8). How do we draw near to a God that we can neither see nor feel? How do we draw near to a God that we can neither see nor feel?

4. Draw Near to God Sin separates us from God (Isa 59:2). Sin separates us from God (Isa 59:2). Through repentance we can draw near to God (Js 4:7-10). Through repentance we can draw near to God (Js 4:7-10). As we turn to God we learn more about Him. As we turn to God we learn more about Him. –His nature, –His character, –His will. These things become important to us. These things become important to us.

5. Draw Near to God Open the door for communication. Open the door for communication. –The strongest relationships have good two-way communication. –So it is with our relationship with God. He has communicated all of His thoughts, desires and goals to us. He has communicated all of His thoughts, desires and goals to us. –We learn these things through His word (1 Cor 2:16) We must communicate with Him. We must communicate with Him. –We do this through prayer (Phil 4:6-7)

6. Draw Near to God Through such a relationship we can gain the strength and encouragement we need to overcome any obstacle. Through such a relationship we can gain the strength and encouragement we need to overcome any obstacle. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). Ps. 23; 119:49-56 Ps. 23; 119:49-56

7. Comfort in Knowledge Ignorance and uncertainty can be most unsettling. Ignorance and uncertainty can be most unsettling. But God gives us the knowledge we need to overcome. But God gives us the knowledge we need to overcome. –1 Cor. 10:13: knowledge concerning our temptation. –2 Cor 2:11: knowledge concerning Satan. –1 Thes 4:13ff: knowledge concerning hope

8. Comfort in Forgiveness God provides the means to overcome God provides the means to overcome –Jesus died for our sins Rom 1:16: The gospel is God’s power unto salvation to all who believe. Rom 1:16: The gospel is God’s power unto salvation to all who believe. 1 John 1:9; 2:1: know that we have forgiveness gives us great comfort. 1 John 1:9; 2:1: know that we have forgiveness gives us great comfort.

9. Comfort in Hope Sometimes all we need is a reason to go on. Sometimes all we need is a reason to go on. We can take comfort in know that our struggles will not last long. We can take comfort in know that our struggles will not last long. No matter how bad the get, our reward makes it all worth while (Rom 8:18). No matter how bad the get, our reward makes it all worth while (Rom 8:18). 2 Cor 4:16-18: Our affliction is light when compared to our eternal glory. 2 Cor 4:16-18: Our affliction is light when compared to our eternal glory.

10. Comfort in Our Brethren God gives us great comfort in the scriptures. God gives us great comfort in the scriptures. But as we are also physical creatures, He proves comfort in the body as well. But as we are also physical creatures, He proves comfort in the body as well. –Rom 12:10, 13 –1 Cor 12:20-26 Just as we must draw near to the Lord, we must draw near to our brethren. Just as we must draw near to the Lord, we must draw near to our brethren.

11. Comfort in the Lord God provides us with the necessary comfort and encouragement for every aspect of our lives. God provides us with the necessary comfort and encouragement for every aspect of our lives. The only thing that hinders us from benefiting from it is our own fear. The only thing that hinders us from benefiting from it is our own fear. If we are willing to draw near to God and to our brethren, then we can have the strength to overcome anything. If we are willing to draw near to God and to our brethren, then we can have the strength to overcome anything.