Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV)
I recently returned from a trip to Indiana, where I played Beechwood Golf Course, the course I grew up on. If I don’t know every square inch, I know most of it. My mom lives on the fifth hole and I usually see old friends when I return. I remember each hole, how to play it, and what clubs to hit on each tee. It is a comfortable and familiar place for me. I have the same feeling about Pinehurst #2. The ClubCorp team championship allowed me to play it for many years, and I love the feeling I get when I set foot on the golf course.
Not every course gives me the same feelings. Waterville in Ireland is a battle for me to play. The same for Carnoustie. They are great courses, but I guess the struggle to break 80 does not allow me to get comfortable.
There are passages in Scripture that can give us a great deal of comfort. In a way, they feel like home.
God knew that we would face trials, uncertainty, sadness, and guilt, and he even points out that each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). God knows every hair on our head, which means he knows what we will encounter—every day! His word gives us comfort, peace, reassurance, and direction.
I have been passing out these verses like candy to anyone who will listen lately.On top of offering words of comfort, God gives us passages like Philippians 4:6-7 to leave no doubt that we can find our comfort in him. Here Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
If we take the time to study that passage it is really amazing—“be anxious for nothing.” We all know the definition of nothing. It’s a word of challenge in this context, isn’t it? Imagine never worrying again! But that’s what Christ’s peace allows us to do.
Then there is that peace, “which surpasses all comprehension.” It shows up when we can’t imagine it would show up. It keeps us near to Jesus, in whom our hearts and minds will be guarded.
I have been passing out these verses like candy to anyone who will listen lately. The past few months I have had reason to trust them, and they are life-changing.
I’m sure you have verses that bring you great comfort and peace. Keep reading them and hide them in your heart. Then give them away. They just may bring comfort and peace to a friend today, too.
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Bill Euler
May 26, 2020
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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