What does "comfort me once again" teach about God's faithfulness and mercy? Setting the Scene Psalm 71:21: “You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.” Written by an aging believer who has walked with God for decades, Psalm 71 looks back on lifelong faithfulness while asking for fresh help in the present moment. The phrase “comfort me once again” stands at the heart of that appeal. Key Phrase Examined • “Comfort” (Hebrew nāḥam) carries ideas of consoling, relieving sorrow, and bringing deep inner rest. • “Once again” implies repetition—God has done this before and is expected to do it anew. • Taken together, the words declare confident anticipation based on remembered experience. Insights into God’s Faithfulness • He is consistent—past consolation guarantees future aid. – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) • He sustains from youth to old age. – “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He; I will sustain you.” (Isaiah 46:4) • He keeps every promise. – “Not one word has failed of all His good promise.” (1 Kings 8:56) • He invites us to recall previous deliverances as fuel for present trust. – “I will remember the works of the LORD.” (Psalm 77:11) Insights into God’s Mercy • Comfort is an act of mercy—not earned, but bestowed. – “His mercies never fail. They are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) • Mercy adapts to each season of life: childhood, adulthood, advanced age. – “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103:13) • God’s mercy overflows into our own ministry of comfort. – “The God of all comfort… comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Living It Out • Keep a record of past comforts; rehearse them when new trials arise. • Approach God expecting repeat mercy—He never tires of consoling His children. • Rest in His promise: the same God who comforted you yesterday stands ready today. |
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