Words Of Comfort

Monday, May 2, 2016
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Listen while you read: "Lead Me To Calvary"1 (Lyrics)

Raise your hand if you've never been afraid! While I cannot see your response, you can be sure that my arms are limp by my side.

In fact, when I stroll down memory lane, I can think of a few scary, fearful instances in my life. For example, I recall how scared I was when a dog was attacking me. I could see him break free from his owner's leash and dart straight toward me. The story has a mostly happy ending! I still love pets, including dogs!

Some folks face the fear of an illness. Cancer is one of those diseases that make most of us "dis-eased." It is an uncomfortable feeling when we have a foreign entity in our cells. Everything in us screams, "You get out of here, now!"

Fear is a foreboding, a feeling of distress and anxiety. How can we handle a fear or even a severe phobia?

Here is what I found out accidentally while doing hospital visits. When visiting someone at home or hospital, many of us like to leave a get-well card or flowers to cheer a person who is in the throes of uncertainty. Cards and flowers are nice, but I also found that a homemade bookmark with a particular verse from Isaiah truly brings comfort. This Old Testament prophet spoke fearful words, to be sure. But he also brought words of wisdom and comfort when life's events make us afraid.

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (NKJV)

When I pass this bookmark to a person after I have read it, in every instance that I recall, I could see the fear visibly leave the person's face and a smile of comfort arrive and reside!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know how often we are afraid. You often told Your disciples not to be afraid. In so many ways, You offered words of comfort, especially to folks who looked to You for healing. Help us today, just for today, to keep us aware of Your presence, Your strength, and Your help. We praise and thank You, O Lord. Amen.

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About the author:

Karl Csaszar <csaszar1@nb.sympatico.ca>
New Maryland, New Brunswick, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Amen Karl.


    Well done Karl, please write again.


    What a great reminder, Karl. Thank you!


    What a lovely idea! Thanks.
    (B.C.)


    Thank you so much for your devotional this morning. Just what I needed to hear. A lot of stuff happening in my life right now and it is always good to be reminded that God is with me.


    Thank you for this morning’s devotional, Karl. I learned this verse long ago in the form of a little chorus, and your words have it playing in my head.
    Blessings.


    Dear Karl,
    Thank you for sharing these words, and how you have experienced the comfort God brings through them. As you said, how often the first words Jesus (and also angels) spoke were, “Fear not!” Thank you for this encouragement to continue in doing His will. God bless and keep you!
    (BC)


    My mother is recovering from surgery. I plan to use your idea of the handmade bookmark for her for Mother’s Day. Mom serves as a volunteer at a hospital, praying with patients prior to going into surgery. I will make her bookmarks to share with other patients as well when she is well enough to return to her volunteer position. Thank you for the inspirational idea!
    Blessings in all you do.


    Hi Karl,
    Thank you for your devotional. I have used that very text many times over the years, in Sermons, Devotionals and on a personal basis.
    Blessings.


    How interesting that you should write of this wonderful verse in Isaiah!
    It is with my right hand that I hold my husband’s hand and we walk side by side. It is with His righteous right hand that the Lord leads us. Meaning that my right hand to His right hand He is in front of me facing me. What a comforting posture to image in my pathway! Thank you.


    Dear Karl Csaszar,
    I pray that you will continue to take words of comfort and assurance to persons who are afraid and need the assurances of our Lord.
    Ps. 56:3: “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
    Mt. 14:27: When Jesus’ disciples saw Jesus walk on the water, he said, ” It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

 



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