Press the arrow to listen to “Still” from Hillsong Church while reading today’s devotion.

Scripture
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Observation
When a long road gets longer we don’t easily ask for help. We are more likely to plod forward on our own and rely on our own capacities. But we are encouraged to take another way. Call for the comforting presence of the Lord.

The word for “comfort” is a choice one. It means to “call along side”. As we call, the Holy Spirit slips into the empty seat beside us and takes the journey with us. He speaks words of hope that we cannot conjure up on our own. He speaks from words of hope that know no beginning and no end.

Application
This means that the smallest comfort we feel is a sign that Jesus Christ himself and God our Father are personally concerned about us. Too often we take road conditions as an indication of God’s heart toward us. If the way is tough we assume we are out of his favour. If the way is easy we think he loves us. But we are not to look at the road but rather to the sources of comfort. These are the indicators of our need ever kept in God’s view.

Prayer
Father, today I call out for your come alongside comfort. Worldly comforts call me to drop the journey, but your comfort compels me forward on the journey. I receive your comfort today so that I can exert your power today. The best of all is that you are with us. Amen.