Bible Study

Experiencing Divine Comfort

When the world around us seems unstable or filled with evil, how do we cope? Through the Spirit of God, we can have confidence that’s unshaken by circumstances. In this study, you’ll learn how to identify the Lord’s reassuring presence in changing times.

A. How does God comfort us?

1. By reminding us He’s still in control.
   
   When wicked people commit appalling acts, it’s easy to believe the world is out of God’s control. However, Psalm 103:19 says, “The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”
   
   
   • What did Jesus say in Matthew 10:28 about fearing man more than we fear God?

      

   • How should we view the death of believers, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18?
     
     
     
     
2. By comforting us through the Holy Spirit.
   
   God may comfort us through another person. But sometimes no one is available. David was no stranger to this common human experience (Ps. 69:20). Loneliness can be a blessing if it leads us to seek the reassuring presence of God.
   
   Psalm 103:13 says, “Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.”
   
   
   • How do you feel, knowing that God has the same type of compassion for you that a good father has for his children?

      

   • What is God’s response to those who are suffering? (Isa. 49:13; Ps. 119:76)

      

   • Why do you think it is a blessing to be comforted solely by God on occasion, instead of by another person?

      

3. By encouraging us through His Word.
   
   
   • In your opinion, why did David believe the Word of God revived and comforted him? (Ps. 119:50, 52)
     
     
     
   • Has reading and meditating on the Bible comforted you in the past? How?
     
     

B. What is your responsibility?

1. Choose not to give in to fear.
   
   Throughout its pages, the Bible teaches that resisting fear is an act of the will.
   
   
   • Read Proverbs 3:25-26 and John 14:27. Why does the Bible say we don’t have to fear?
     
     
   • What should we do instead of being afraid? (Ps. 55:22-23)
     
     
     
   • In practical terms, what do you think Psalm 55:22-23 means?
     
     
   
   
   Of course, the Bible doesn’t promise that harm will never come to us. In fact, it says that believers will experience persecution.
   
   
   • According to Revelation 2:10, how long should Christians remain faithful to the Lord?
     
     
     
   • Why does this verse tell Christians not to fear suffering?
     
     
     
2. Continue to live righteously.
   
   Obeying God’s rules doesn’t protect us from all pain. But it does mean we won’t cause ourselves unnecessary heartache. In obedience, we find protection and blessing.
   
   Unfortunately, we often rebel against God in times of fear and chaos.
   
   
   • What old sinful habits return to your life when you face tragedy or other highly stressful situations?
     
     
     
   • Ask God to help you turn to Him for comfort the next time difficulty comes.
     
     
   
   
   David wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word” (Ps. 119:67).
   
   
   • Why do you think experiencing difficulty teaches us obedience?
     
     
     
   • How has hardship deepened your understanding of the Bible or obedience to it?
     
     
     
3. Reach out to others with the comfort we’ve received.
   
   Once you’ve connected with your loving heavenly Father and received His comfort, you have the wonderful opportunity to comfort others who are struggling.
   
   
   • How did Job’s friends initially react to his suffering? (Job 2:11-13)
   
   
   Some people forget that Job’s friends initially showed him great kindness.
   
   
   • What can you learn from this passage about comforting others? (Job 2:11-13)
   
   
   Another passage that covers this subject is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
   
   
   • According to this passage, what does any type of suffering eventually equip a believer to do?
     
     
     
   • How does this verse’s wisdom contrast with human ideas about the qualifications needed to comfort others?
     
     

Closing: As long as we live in a fallen world, we will experience heartache and pain. But don’t let that frighten or discourage you. Instead, remind yourself that God is still in control, and allow Him to comfort you. Then, expect the Father to use you in the future to minister to others who are hurting.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the reassurance You offer me as Your child. Help me trust in Your sovereignty and protection, and give me compassion and wisdom to know how to comfort others in their time of need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.