We have previously studied what the psalmist has said concerning the Word of God. Tonight we want to look at how the Word can provide consolation for us. Especially to those who are undergoing trials. If we are not going through a trial right now, wait a while and one will come. It is normal for the believer's faith to be tested from time to time.
(1 Pet 4:12) "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:"
God will comfort us. He does so not just to console us in the midst of trials, but to teach and prepare us to be able to minister comfort to others.
(2 Cor 1:4) "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
Consolation and comfort is a part of God's plan for us. Just as much as the trials that we are to go through. Tonight we look at this section of Psalm 119 and find a number of thoughts concerning consolation.
I. The Source of all Comfort. v73-74
A. God and His Word is the source of all comfort for us who have place our faith in Him.
B. We are His workmanship.
1. The psalmist knew that he was not the product of blind forces of nature.
2. He did not evolve into the person he was, he was fashioned by the very hands of God.
3. As a direct product of God's hands, who would be better able to comfort us?
4. Ex. Mother and little baby.
C. The purpose of God's fashioning.
1. God has never done anything without purpose or reason.
2. The psalmist acknowledges this and prays for God to give him understanding that he might learn the commandments of God.
3. This is our purpose!
(Eccl 12:13) "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
D. Others will be comforted by us.
1. 'They that fear thee will be glad to see me'
2. Is that true of us?
3. Is our testimony such that we are a comfort and encouragement to other believers?
4. That is part of God's plan for us.
5. What do we bring to others?
II. The Need of Consolation v75-76
A. God's purposes are always good and right.
1. We saw last week that he had said it was good that he had been afflicted.
2. He understood that the trials and afflictions were part of God's plan for his life.
3. Sometimes the afflictions come because we have strayed from the path God wants us to follow.
(Heb 12:11) "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
B. When we realize that God is at work through the trials… we will also realize that we must look to Him for the consolation and comfort.
C. Note v76
1. "Let … thy merciful kindness be for my comfort…"
2. "According to thy Word"
3. Again we look to the principles of God's Word to direct us in our lives.
4. Whether in affliction or in comfort.
III. The Believer's Desire In Consolation v77-78
A. "…Thy law is my delight."
1. There are blessings that are available only to those who delight in the law of God.
2. That doesn't mean that they aren't available to all, just that those who delight in His Word can draw upon them.
3. The comfort sought according to the Word will not come to those who neglect or reject His Word.
B. There is no consolation for the proud.
1. Example of Lazarus and the rich man.
2. Cf. Luke 16:25
3. The rich man had no desire to seek after God and His Word.
4. Consequently when they faced the same trial -- 'death' -- Lazarus was comforted and the rich man found himself in torment.
C. Note the contrast of v78
1. They (the proud) dealt with him perversely or wrongly.
2. But he would focus his attention on meditating in the Word.
3. He knew that God had allowed the affliction to come for his own good.
4. When affliction comes it will test and try our character.
5. It isn't as important what the affliction, or even why the affliction, as it is how we respond to the affliction.
6. Meditation on God's promises always brings comfort and consolation.
7. The Bible reader finds its pages filled with godly comfort.
IV. The Testimony of Consolation v 79-80
A. Believers turn to each other for consolation and fellowship.
1. We can find strength and comfort from each other.
2. Paul instructs us to get personally involved with others.
(Rom 12:15) "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."
3. Solomon stated the importance of each other in the book of Ecclesiastes.
(Eccl 4:9-10) "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. {10} For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
B. If we are to comfort others, we must first be grounded in the principles of God's Word.
C. As the Word consoles us, only then can we be consoling others.
D. "Let my heart be sound in thy statutes…"
1. The word sound is speaking of integrity.
2. It is most often translated 'without blemish' or 'upright'.
3. He is asking that his heart remain true and pure in the Word.
Tonight, do you need consolation? Find it in God, His Word, and His people. Paul instructs us to bear one another's burdens. Let's be faithful to minister comfort and consolation to those around us who are going through trials.
We can only be prepared to do that when our own hearts are 'sound in His statutes'. The invitation tonight is for each of us. Come and let God have His way in our lives.