Comforting words from Scripture

Oct 22
10:03

2010

Thomas Finn

Thomas Finn

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I recommend that you commit to memory a favorite psalm or other extract that appeals to you and offers you comfort in times of stress . It can then be slowly repeated and dwelt upon and allowed to sink deep into your being. It can be wonderfully healing.

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Comforting words from Scripture

From personal experience I have found that one of the most effective ways of dealing with disappointments and setbacks is to read and absorb selected pieces of Scripture. As I have mentioned in my book I have constantly derived great comfort and consolation from slowly reading and meditating on chosen passages.

If you have a favorite psalm or other extract that appeals to you and offers you comfort in times of stress I recommend that you commit it to memory. It can then be slowly repeated and dwelt upon and allowed to sink deep into your being. Very often the passages paint word pictures which are easily visualized and have a powerful healing effect on the mind.

On the other hand you may want to select a random piece of Scripture and let the content linger and be absorbed into your consciousness. You may read the passage slowly and attentively,Comforting words from Scripture Articles either aloud or silently as you breathe rhythmically. Allow yourself pauses and repetitions when you feel you need them. Do not hurry to cover a lot. Always put quality before quantity.

If the passage conjures up a special scene then take time to drink it in and take solace from it.

For example the beginning of the Twenty Third Psalm:

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Pause for awhile and let yourself enter into that restful scene. Picture the lush green grass of the meadow and be intoxicated by the calm silent water. Just become part of that scene and feel the benefits that flow from it. The calmness that descends upon you is amazing and you tend to feel supported and cherished by a loving Shepherd.

If a piece of Scripture recounts an event in the life of Jesus, enter into the scene and become one of the participants in it. Talk to some of the people involved, ask them questions and get to know them. In this way you will feel part of the scene and actively involved. The feeling of being involved with Christ is enormously uplifting and beneficial. If you feel aware of the love of God or conscious of His healing do not be in a hurry to move on, just enjoy the special moment. Wait until you are no longer moved by the experience.

Some people prefer to have their favorite bible passages at the ready and dip into these when they feel the need. The following are some popular scriptural quotations that people could memorize:

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
--Psalm 56:11

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
--I John 4:18

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(Psalm 46:1)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
(Psalm 91:1)

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
(Psalm 91:10,11)

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
(Proverbs 3:25,26)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(John 14:27)

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
--Psalm 56:11

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
--I John 4:18

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Timothy 1:7

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. . Psalm 48:14

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things. Revelation 21:4

If you have never been interested in reading Scripture and experienced the benefits from doing so perhaps you could make a tentative start now. I thoroughly recommend it to every Christian. I am convinced that if they begin the practice with sincerity and application they will soon become aware of the benefits that flow from it. It is especially helpful to those who are going through a rough patch in their life. I believe it has a powerful therapeutic and calming effect and can bring solace and comfort in times of worry, hurt and stress. It is important to read passages of the Bible slowly and with recollection, pausing at times to let the impact of the words to sink in. Personally I find the practice immensely rewarding and uplifting.