Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: The Comforter, Pt 1
Digging for Truth: Sometimes we can find ourselves so brokenhearted we cannot think clearly about life; we just take the next breath and keep moving. At those times, God knows our crushed spirits need a Comforter to hold us and encourage our souls; so, he becomes what we lack. As well, God sends his children to surround us and pray for us, because we may struggle to pray in our pain. Our wounds can be raw and we tend to retreat until things start to heal a bit. And, in time we do heal, because God is our Healer.
Grace for the Heart: God’s divine hugs are the best to bring comfort and healing to us when life overwhelms us. His Word tells us he comforts us like a mother comforts a hurting child.
Grace brings us courage and strength, so we are empowered to cope with the painful experiences of life. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The Helper promises to bring us a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning and festive praise instead of despair
(Isaiah 61:3).
Psalm 34:18 NLT The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Isaiah 51:12 NLT “I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?
Isaiah 66:13 NLT “I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child.”
Challenge: CS Lewis once wrote, “If tribulation is a necessary element in redemption, we must anticipate that it will never cease till God sees the world to be either redeemed or no further redeemable” (The Problem of Pain). As long as we face tribulations, we will need a Comforter.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being our Comforter and bringing the necessary healing to our souls. Each day we need a touch, because life is not easy. Yet, we trust you and know you are good! In Jesus’ name. Amen.