And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 14:16-18
There are many times as we go through life in a world damaged by sin that we experience heartache, suffering, loneliness, pain, and loss. These experiences do not prove that God has forsaken or forgotten us. In every trial we have the presence of the Holy Spirit who offers us comfort, not from a distance, but from a loving God who knows all about us—and who cares about us. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Having this unfailing source of comfort is important because there are times when it seems like no one understands what we are going through. God always does.
Charles Spurgeon said, “I am in distress, and want consolation. Some passer-by hears of my sorrow, and he steps within, sits down and essays to cheer me; he speaks soothing words; but he loves me not. His words run o’er me like oil upon a slab of marble—they are like the pattering rain upon the rock; they do not break my grief; it stands unmoved as adamant, because he has no love for me. But let someone who loves me dearly as his own life come and plead with me, then truly his words are music; they taste like honey; he knows the password of the doors of my heart, and my ear is attentive to every word.”
God knows that we need comfort and encouragement. He understands that our hearts are sometimes broken and grieving. He never forgets His children. God’s comfort, strength and help are always present with us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
