"Comfort for the Afflicted"

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble...He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth'" ~ Psalm 46:1,10

The psalmist had the blessed assurance of knowing that no matter what kind of chaos was happening in the world around him, he could find comfort in depending on God. That didn't mean he always felt comfortable, but his relationship with the Almighty Creator was enough to carry him through any affliction he may face. Recently at a small group I led, we were talking about what it means to have hope in Christ - how it actually impacts our day-to-day living and our responses to whatever comes our way. The hope we have in Jesus is similar to what the psalmist felt, that even in difficult trials we know that our ultimate salvation and regeneration are guaranteed. And this truth must be not only what we hold to, but also the central focus of our interactions with others. This week at Friendship, we'll finish the current sermon series with a message that encompasses all the other specific actions commanded of followers of Jesus. It's titled "Comfort for the Afflicted", which is purposely general to demonstrate that it's the heart of the gospel and what Jesus commands of His disciples. Just as God Incarnate came and dwelt among us to bring us comfort from our affliction, so we must be willing to use all we have to bring comfort to others. We'll also spend some time talking about our future plans for building expansion, keeping in mind it's all for the glory of God, in His timing, and for the comfort of all who are afflicted and separate from Him!