Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being "comfortable" in the biblical context often transcends mere physical ease or material wealth, focusing instead on spiritual solace and divine assurance. The Bible frequently addresses comfort as a state of inner peace and contentment that comes from a relationship with God, rather than external circumstances.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, comfort is often associated with God's presence and His promises to His people. Isaiah 40:1-2 declares, "Comfort, comfort My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her warfare has ended, her iniquity has been removed." Here, comfort is linked to the cessation of struggle and the forgiveness of sins, highlighting God's role as a source of true comfort. The Psalms frequently express a longing for God's comfort. Psalm 23:4 states, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." This verse illustrates the comfort found in God's guidance and protection, even in the darkest times. New Testament Context In the New Testament, comfort is closely associated with the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the "Comforter" or "Helper." In John 14:16-17 , Jesus promises, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The Holy Spirit provides believers with comfort by dwelling within them, offering guidance, and reminding them of Jesus' teachings. The Apostle Paul frequently writes about comfort in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 , he praises God as "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." This passage emphasizes the reciprocal nature of comfort, where believers are comforted by God and, in turn, are called to comfort others. Spiritual Comfort Spiritual comfort in the Bible is often linked to the assurance of salvation and the hope of eternal life. Romans 15:13 expresses this hope: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This verse highlights the joy and peace that come from trusting in God's promises. The Book of Revelation also speaks of ultimate comfort in the presence of God. Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This vision of the new heaven and new earth offers believers the ultimate comfort of eternal life with God, free from suffering and sorrow. Practical Implications For believers, being comfortable is not about seeking a life free from challenges but finding peace and assurance in God's presence and promises. The Bible encourages Christians to seek comfort in their relationship with God, through prayer, scripture, and the fellowship of other believers. This spiritual comfort empowers them to face life's difficulties with faith and to extend comfort to others in need. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Strong; vigorous; valiant.2. (a.) Serviceable; helpful. 3. (a.) Affording or imparting comfort or consolation; able to comfort; cheering; as, a comfortable hope. 4. (a.) In a condition of comfort; having comforts; not suffering or anxious; hence, contented; cheerful; as, to lead a comfortable life. 5. (a.) Free, or comparatively free, from pain or distress; -- used of a sick person. 6. (n.) A stuffed or quilted coverlet for a bed; a comforter; a comfort. Strong's Hebrew 4496. menuchah -- resting place, rest... 1), resting place (7), resting places (1). comfortable, ease, quiet, resting place, still. Or mnuchah {men-oo-khaw'}; feminine of ... /hebrew/4496.htm - 6k 5151. Nachum -- an Israelite prophet 5150. nichum -- comfort, compassion Library Given to Abstraction of Thought. Cases in Point. Opinion of ... It was a Great Delight to Diamond when at Length Nanny was Well ... Why this Book Has Been Written Of the Great Desolation Usually Following an Intellectual Passive ... The Hand Felt Its Way up his Arm, And... The Perfect Love. A Good Conscience The Ten Lepers Dark Times Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26. Thesaurus Comfortable (2 Occurrences)... 3. (a.) Affording or imparting comfort or consolation; able to comfort; cheering; as, a comfortable hope. ... Multi-Version Concordance Comfortable (2 Occurrences). ... /c/comfortable.htm - 7k Comfortably (5 Occurrences) Comfort (130 Occurrences) Nest (22 Occurrences) Independent (1 Occurrence) Indigent (2 Occurrences) Decent (2 Occurrences) Beforehand (38 Occurrences) Bondmaid (18 Occurrences) Brogue (1 Occurrence) Resources How can a Christian overcome social anxiety? | GotQuestions.orgShould a church be seeker sensitive? | GotQuestions.org In what ways should Christians be prepared to step outside their comfort zone? | GotQuestions.org Comfortable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Comfortable (2 Occurrences)2 Samuel 14:17 Zechariah 1:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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