Lord’s Day, Vol. 3 No. 49
Patience, Comfort and Hope
Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
“Whatsoever things” in this verse has the meaning of whatever that God has revealed to us in His Word is for our instruction. “Written aforetime” has the meaning that what was previously written continues to stand written today to bear witness of the truth.
Do not neglect to read and study the Bible. It is God’s written revelation to help us especially when we are going through trials and tribulations in life.
The Bible teaches us cheerful endurance in times of afflictions. It lifts our ailing hearts in the midst of our disappointments. It keeps the fire of hope burning in whatever challenging circumstances we may be facing. If our Christian life is to grow, we must apply the Scriptures to our daily living.
The source of our hope in this life is primarily in the Bible. God’s written word is what we need to help us in this sinful and dying world.
How much time do we spend reading and meditating on the Word of God devotionally? Do we truly comprehend the power of God’s Word? Have we fully appropriated the strength that is promised when we live by His holy and unchangeable Word?
By and large, most of us go through four phases of human existence – birth, aging, sickness and death. When we search the Scriptures, we will find the solution to human mortality which has eluded men since time immemorial.
The solution is found in the Person of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is God manifested in the flesh. “Jesus” means “Saviour”. Only Jesus can give true peace, joy and calmness in the heart. There is no salvation except in Jesus Christ.
When sickness comes and we have to be rushed to the hospital time and again, we may become discouraged, fearful and lose hope. How do we encourage ourselves in times of severe testing?
Often times when things do not go our way, we sign. When trouble comes and we simply do not have any solution, we can crumble under its weight.
The Apostle Paul says that through “patience and comfort of the Scriptures” we shall find the strength we need for every trial and temptation in life. God’s Word is the means whereby we are to receive patience and comfort in our hearts.
An ounce of patience is worth more than a tonne of fretfulness. Patience is to be calm under all vexations and trials. The man who calmly waits is the master of the situation.
The word “patience” literally means “to abide under”. Other synonyms include endurance, tolerance, fortitude, staying power with God, persistence, serenity, stamina. The opposite is a complaining, murmuring and an impatient spirit.
Patience is steadfast endurance in times of tribulation. By searching the Scriptures, we will be able to find answers as we go through the vicissitudes of life. We are to cultivate this virtue of “patience”.
Jesus promised His disciples when He ascended to heaven that He would send the Comforter to help them. The Comforter is the Holy Spirit. The word “Comforter” simply means “called alongside” to be with us to help us. The Holy Spirit works in tandem with the Scriptures to comfort us.
The word “comfort” is contrasted by the word “distress”. Comfort may be better explained by these words in this context – consolation, reassurance, relief, cheer, solace, succor, encouragement, cheer up, gladden, hearten, calm, relieve, console, ease, well-being, security.
“Hope” refers to the spiritual strength to rest in God whatever the future may bring. It describes the flourishing inner man whose cup overflows with God’s blessing of a glorious future with Christ.
The Christian’s hope is a sure hope. He is able to “hope on” and “hope ever”.
When we bear the spiritual fruit of patience and receive the comfort of the Scriptures in our lives, we press on with our Christian journey with renewed strength.
The Christian’s hope is like a beacon to others so that they too may see the shining light and come to trust in God through Jesus Christ.
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee