“This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.” Psalm 119.50
As fallen human beings, we’re prone to find comfort in all sorts of fleeting things. We’ll find comfort in a good cup of coffee and a nice warm brownie. We’ll ease our mind by “checking out” while we watch a football game or romantic comedy. Advertisers entice us by telling us of the comfort to be found in music, new clothes, the latest gadget. Now, it is certainly not sinful to enjoy the common graces of the world. Still, finding comfort in worldly things is ultimately a vain pursuit. They might provide a momentary diversion, but they cannot provide comfort.
In this verse, the psalmist gives us the source of true comfort. In remembering God’s Word (and that God keeps all his promises), the poet finds comfort in his affliction. He has no fear, not even in death, for he knows that God’s promises bring life.
True comfort comes only from God. His promises give life. He is the unmoved mover. Because he is unshakeable, his Word is unshakeable. This truth ought to bring us comfort. It ought to produce in us a joy that cannot be matched by any of the world’s consolations.
Friend, where do you turn for comfort when you face affliction? Are you able to find comfort in God’s Word? Have you spent time meditating on the truth of God, the sure comfort to be found in his promises?
Gracious Lord, there is hope to be found nowhere else but in you. May we remember your promises and find comfort in knowing there is life in them. Keep us, O Lord, from turning to earthly things for comfort. May we ever find rest in you. Amen.