In what ways can we seek God's comfort during trials and hardships? Psalm 71:21 – God’s Pledge of Renewal “You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.” What This Tells Us • God Himself is the Source of comfort. • His comfort is not a one-time event; He will “once again” refresh us. • He couples comfort with honor, restoring dignity and hope when trials try to strip them away. Ways to Seek God’s Comfort during Trials • Remember His unchanging character – Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, comfort My people, says your God.” – Hebrews 13:8 He is “the same yesterday and today and forever.” • Pray with candor and confidence – Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your hearts before Him.” – 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Practical step: speak aloud every fear, then deliberately hand each one to Him. • Meditate on His Word daily – Psalm 119:50 “This is my comfort in affliction, that Your promise preserves my life.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 shows He comforts us so we can comfort others. Practical step: write out verses of comfort and read them morning and night. • Worship in the midst of pain – Psalm 42:11 tells the soul to “hope in God; for I will yet praise Him.” – Acts 16:25: Paul and Silas sang hymns while chained, and God shook the prison. Practical step: create a playlist of praise songs that lift your eyes to Him. • Lean on the Holy Spirit’s presence – John 14:16-18: the Spirit is “another Helper” who stays forever. – Romans 8:26: He intercedes when we have no words. Practical step: pause, breathe, and invite the Spirit to fill your heart anew. • Stay connected to the Body of Christ – Galatians 6:2 “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 urges meeting together all the more in hard days. Practical step: share your need with trusted believers and allow them to minister. • Focus on eternal perspective – Romans 8:18 “Our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory to be revealed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17: momentary afflictions produce “an eternal weight of glory.” Practical step: list future promises of God and thank Him for each. • Obey even when feelings lag – John 15:10-11 links obedience with abiding joy. – Isaiah 41:10 pairs “do not fear” with His promise, “I will uphold you.” Practical step: act on the next clear command—serve, forgive, give—trusting comfort will follow. Living out Psalm 71:21 Today 1. Start every morning by affirming, “You will comfort me once again.” 2. Keep Scripture of comfort visible—phone lock screen, mirror, desk. 3. End each day recounting how God showed up, no matter how small the evidence. The God who inspired Psalm 71 still increases honor and pours out comfort. Seek Him through these practices, and watch His promise become your reality. |
    |