Consolation Under Affliction: Promised
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In the Christian faith, the promise of consolation under affliction is a profound assurance that God provides comfort and strength to His people during times of suffering and distress. This promise is woven throughout the Scriptures, offering hope and encouragement to believers who face trials and tribulations.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible is replete with passages that affirm God's commitment to consoling His people in their afflictions. One of the most poignant expressions of this promise is found in the words of Jesus Christ, who assures His followers of His abiding presence and peace. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This verse encapsulates the dual reality of Christian life: the inevitability of worldly troubles and the transcendent peace found in Christ.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, also emphasizes the comfort that God provides. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, he writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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 have received from God" . Here, Paul highlights not only the personal consolation believers receive but also their calling to extend that comfort to others.

Old Testament Promises

The Old Testament also contains numerous assurances of God's comfort during affliction. The Psalms, in particular, are rich with expressions of trust in God's consoling presence. Psalm 34:18 states, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" . This verse underscores God's proximity to those who are suffering, offering them solace and salvation.

Isaiah, the prophet, conveys God's promise of comfort to His people in times of distress. In Isaiah 49:13, it is written, "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break into joyful song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones" . This prophetic declaration assures the faithful of God's compassionate intervention and the joy that follows His consolation.

New Testament Assurance

The New Testament continues to affirm the promise of consolation through the presence of the Holy Spirit, who is described as the Comforter. 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 world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you" . The Holy Spirit's indwelling presence provides believers with ongoing comfort and guidance.

The Apostle Peter also speaks to the promise of consolation, encouraging believers to cast their anxieties on God. In 1 Peter 5:7, he writes, "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" . This invitation to entrust one's burdens to God is a testament to His caring nature and His readiness to provide relief.

Practical Implications

The promise of consolation under affliction has practical implications for the life of a believer. It encourages a posture of trust and reliance on God, even in the midst of suffering. Believers are called to seek God's presence through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other Christians, finding strength and encouragement in His promises.

Moreover, the assurance of divine comfort empowers believers to extend compassion and support to others who are suffering. As recipients of God's consolation, Christians are equipped to offer empathy, encouragement, and practical help to those in need, reflecting the love and comfort they have received from God.

In summary, the promise of consolation under affliction is a central tenet of the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance to believers as they navigate the challenges of life. Through the presence of Christ, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the support of the Christian community, believers find solace and strength in the midst of their trials.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 51:3,12
For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
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Isaiah 66:13
As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
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Ezekiel 14:22,23
Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth to you, and you shall see their way and their doings: and you shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought on it.
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Hosea 2:14
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her.
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Zechariah 1:17
Cry yet, saying, Thus said the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.
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Library

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... Hence it affords us great consolation in hard and difficult circumstances, which ...
strength, which alone can enable us to bear up under a weight of affliction. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of bearing the.htm

The North African Church under the Vandals.
... through pathless tracts to a city under the Roman ... I still find one abundant spring
of consolation and joy ... had been steadfast in his faith in affliction, in this ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/the north african church under.htm

How the vine of the Priest of Rieti, Whose House St Francis ...
... FRANCIS ENTERED TO PRAY, WAS TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT BY ... to give her some spiritual
consolation, intending afterwards ... and this thine infirmity and affliction is a ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xix how the vine.htm

Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
... Hence the consolation, strength, hope, and confidence of the ... forth to the holy Fathers
under the Law as ... when comfort is promised in affliction, especially when ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 redemption for man.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... Hence it affords us great consolation in hard and difficult circumstances, which ...
strength, which alone can enable us to bear up under a weight of affliction. ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iii of bearing the.htm

Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ...
... his promises furnish the most abundant consolation, in every ... assurances of his presence,
in affliction, if they ... of confidence in the Lord, under the pressure ...
/.../letter xix submission to the.htm

Christian Graces.
... the psalmist was not, in that he often under affliction cries, But ... that they are
in the text promised to be ... to find it out to thy own comfort and consolation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Affliction, the gain of, [30]274; brings men near to ... Children, consolation under
loss of, [244]276 ... able to consume his foes, [264]302; the promised prophet, [265 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

1 Thessalonians ii. 12-Sep
... There is therefore not only a consolation under the temptations ... is a grievance, let
it be a consolation that they ... For no season of affliction or temptation has ...
/.../homily iii 1 thessalonians ii.htm

Epistle Lxiii. To Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage.
... as neither is Italy free from such affliction, doubled are ... is granted to such as
perish under Divine smiting ... teaching of your Fraternity be a consolation to the ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxiii to dominicus bishop.htm

Resources
Why did God punish Pharaoh for Abram's lie (Genesis 12:17)? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Naomi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Affliction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Affliction

Consolation Under Affliction by Ministers of the Gospel

Consolation Under Affliction in Prospect of Death

Consolation Under Affliction is a Cause of Praise

Consolation Under Affliction is Abundant

Consolation Under Affliction is Everlasting

Consolation Under Affliction is Sought in Vain from the World

Consolation Under Affliction is Strong

Consolation Under Affliction: Christ is the Author and Giver of

Consolation Under Affliction: God is the Author and Giver of

Consolation Under Affliction: Pray For

Consolation Under Affliction: Promised

Consolation Under Affliction: Saints should Administer to Each Other

Consolation Under Affliction: The Holy Spirit is the Author and Giver of

Consolation Under Affliction: Through the Holy Scriptures

Consolation Under Affliction: To the Persecuted

Consolation Under Affliction: To the Poor

Consolation Under Affliction: To the Sick

Consolation Under Affliction: To the Tempted

Consolation Under Affliction: To the Troubled in Mind

Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Deserted by Friends

Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Who Mourn for Sin

Consolation Under Affliction: Under the Infirmities of Age

Prayer Under Affliction for Deliverance

Prayer Under Affliction for Divine Comfort

Prayer Under Affliction for Divine Teaching and Direction

Prayer Under Affliction for Increase of Faith

Prayer Under Affliction for Mercy

Prayer Under Affliction for Mitigation of Troubles

Prayer Under Affliction for Pardon and Deliverance from Sin

Prayer Under Affliction for Protection and Preservation from Enemies

Prayer Under Affliction for Restoration to Joy

Prayer Under Affliction for the Presence and Support of God

Prayer Under Affliction: Exhortation To

Prayer Under Affliction: That God Would Consider Our Trouble

Prayer Under Affliction: That the Holy Spirit May not be Withdrawn

Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Quickened

Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Taught the Uncertainty of Life

Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Turned to God

Prayer Under Affliction: That we May Know the Causes of Our Trouble

Related Terms

Exhortation (16 Occurrences)

Comfort (130 Occurrences)

Barnabas (33 Occurrences)

Nahum (3 Occurrences)

Receiving (72 Occurrences)

Effectual (8 Occurrences)

Bowels (40 Occurrences)

Consists (7 Occurrences)

Effect (173 Occurrences)

Simeon (48 Occurrences)

Whether (239 Occurrences)

Towards (416 Occurrences)

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)

Unrelenting (2 Occurrences)

Unsparing (1 Occurrence)

Upbuilding (3 Occurrences)

Likeminded (4 Occurrences)

God-fearing (24 Occurrences)

Wait (223 Occurrences)

Wherewith (182 Occurrences)

Woe (102 Occurrences)

Wo (92 Occurrences)

Waiting (274 Occurrences)

Incentive (1 Occurrence)

Fearing (107 Occurrences)

Fervent (10 Occurrences)

Tanhumeth (2 Occurrences)

Rich (140 Occurrences)

Relieve (14 Occurrences)

Encouragement (25 Occurrences)

Edification (10 Occurrences)

Exult (50 Occurrences)

Devout (13 Occurrences)

During (182 Occurrences)

Maaziah (2 Occurrences)

Minister (150 Occurrences)

Mercies (62 Occurrences)

Paradise (6 Occurrences)

Pious (18 Occurrences)

Participation (9 Occurrences)

Prophesies (17 Occurrences)

Bright (85 Occurrences)

Cyprian (2 Occurrences)

Comforter (14 Occurrences)

Chastisement (24 Occurrences)

Chastening (11 Occurrences)

Comfortable (2 Occurrences)

Consolations (6 Occurrences)

Compassions (17 Occurrences)

Adoption (5 Occurrences)

Apocyphra

Awaiting (13 Occurrences)

Afford (12 Occurrences)

Alas (62 Occurrences)

Anyone's (12 Occurrences)

Aboundeth (5 Occurrences)

Symeon (5 Occurrences)

Stedfast (84 Occurrences)

Sympathy (15 Occurrences)

Spareth (9 Occurrences)

Upright (392 Occurrences)

Decease (2 Occurrences)

Earnest (33 Occurrences)

Already (171 Occurrences)

Righteous (407 Occurrences)

Denied (34 Occurrences)

Speaks (109 Occurrences)

Cup (86 Occurrences)

Tender (66 Occurrences)

Jesus (10891 Occurrences)

Agony (20 Occurrences)

Ghost (123 Occurrences)

Affection (30 Occurrences)

Taste (46 Occurrences)

Received (312 Occurrences)

Resurrection (42 Occurrences)

Compassion (145 Occurrences)

Covenant (309 Occurrences)

Brethren (528 Occurrences)

Consolation Under Affliction: Pray For
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