Since the beginning of winter, my hometown, much like the rest of the nation, has experienced a colder than normal winter. With temperatures dipping into the single digits and at times, below zero, many people have found the comfort of a warming fire. In fact, for those of us that do not have fireplaces, there are electric heaters that give the appearance of a fireplace that can be placed in any room. Just the appearance of a warm fire can warm the heart and mind on even the coldest of winter days.
This morning, as I was reading my daily devotional, I began to think of how the Bible is for Christians – just as the fire warms the body, God’s word should warm your soul. David, the great king and psalmist, wrote, This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me (Psalms 119:50); when we are in trials, tribulations, and the difficulties of life, we should feel the comforting of the soul that reading the Bible can bring. For the believer, there should never be a spiritual night or desert so cold that the Bible cannot warm us and remind us of the presence of our heavenly Father. I know that often times in my own life when trials and temptations seem to get harder than I can possibly bear, I struggle to remember that the word of the Lord is there to comfort me, to guide me, and to set me on a firm foundation. Again, David wrote in Psalms, As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him (Psalms 18:30). There is a comfort in knowing that God is there to defend us, to protect us, if we simply trust him.
Towards the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, he mentioned that once he left, his disciples would still be comforted; But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26). As Christians, we also have this Comforter, the Holy Spirit. I know in my own life I have felt the most peace when I have diligently sought after God’s will for my life through his word. The psalmist and man after God’s own heart, David, also found comfort during times of distress from the word of God: This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me (Psalms 119:50). There is a comfort in knowing that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1). There is a special peace in knowing that God is there to comfort us – even in the quiet moments when we study the Bible. Just as a hot fire in a fireplace brings enjoyment to a chilled body, God’s word brings joy to the soul. It should not surprise us that we can find comfort in the Bible; just as with our fleshly bodies, we find comfort in the things that we love. As a Christian, my spirit craves and loves spiritual purity and the holiness of God. It should not be any surprise that even David felt that way, Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it (Psalms 119:140). For the true believer there is real comfort in reading God’s word.
