“May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant.” -Psalm 119:76

Comfort. Who doesn’t desire comfort? We enjoy creature comforts such as a cozy blanket, a hot cup of coffee, a warm fire and “comfort” food. But the comfort the psalmist refers to is the deepest kind of comfort which reaches the soul. It is a spiritual comfort only the Lord can provide. This is an assurance of God’s love, like how a mother holds her young child close, whispering a calming hush over them. The little one settles into her security, knowing he is loved and taken care of. If we know how to love like this, how much more does God love His own children? It is rich, deep and incomprehensible. God has promised such love in His Word. 

The climax of the Father’s professed devotion took place after the psalmist’s life, on the cross at Calvary. But this psalmist could still look back at God’s past faithfulness of promises fulfilled for a confident hope in future graces. He sees himself as a servant to the One True King whom he saw from a distance. If David penned this psalm, then he also knew he was the forerunner to the Great Messiah.

God uses our afflictions as mentioned in the previous verse to bring us comfort in Him. Sometimes He allows pain in our lives to get our focus off of the worldly distractions and look up. He is our Refuge and desires to be just that for His children. His heart is to gather His lambs into His arms and hold them close, whispering a calming hush of love and assurance over every single sheep. 

Rest in the beautiful love Christ has for you, sealed with His own blood. If you are in Christ, let your eternal freedom comfort you today.

Grace upon grace,

April

Grow deeper: Isaiah 40; Hebrews 11:13-16; 38-40