Chapter
Nine – Solace of Scripture (SOS)
Those
who view God's Word as a big pile of begats, do's and don'ts, will
never feed on its power to satisfy mankind – even to the COMFORT of
the scriptures (Romans 15:4). Notice also the 'written for our
learning'. SOS is the distress call for help known the world over.
Here we connect the SOLACE of SCRIPTURE with that distress call from
the hearts and lips of those who've not yet accepted Jesus Christ as
their Lord and Savior.
Scripture
promises itself to be the premiere How-to Manual, 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
But also the path to full joy each day (John 15:11). Full joy is
further explained in the close of chapter 2 – of this resource.
Scripture
is flooded with assurances of God's peace, protection and provision –
from cover to cover. The word SOLACE means more than comfort... it
means comfort in the times of distress and in comfort. That's when we
cherish comfort the most. Maybe the most famous solace scripture was
written by the hand of the shepherd boy that became king. But as God
was preparing David for leadership, his boss – King Saul
continually tried to kill him. If that wasn't enough, Goliath tried
to kill him. Even worse than that, David's own son, Absalom tried
often to kill him. It seemed like everywhere David looked, someone
was out to get him. Maybe you feel your life is like that. But David
kept his mind and eyes on God and His will. David was allowed to
write (within his own experience) the famous Psalm 23:
“1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He
restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod
and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in
the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup
runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Print
out the verses and underline the things David tells us God is doing
for him... and us too.
Begin
each of your days by heartfuly asking God to use today's events to
help you better understand and experience full joy. Then share those
full joy lessons with someone close to you that has a broken heart.
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