Finding Comfort for Suffering

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Finding Comfort for Suffering
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Finding Comfort for Suffering
Escapes from pain (unhealthy)
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Finding Comfort for Suffering

• Escapes from pain (unhealthy)
• Substances (drugs, alcohol, pain meds, etc.)

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Finding Comfort for Suffering

• Escapes from pain (unhealthy)
• Substances (drugs, alcohol, pain meds, etc.)
• Work

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Finding Comfort for Suffering

• Escapes from pain (unhealthy)
• Substances (drugs, alcohol, pain meds, etc.)
• Work
• Pleasure (food, sex, etc.)

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Finding Comfort for Suffering

• Escapes from pain (unhealthy)
• Substances (drugs, alcohol, pain meds, etc.)
• Work
• Pleasure (food, sex, etc.)
• Entertainment (gaming, TV, internet, golf, etc.)

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The Scripture as Comfort
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The Scripture as Comfort
During Suffering . . . We are driven to the Word
of God
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Psalm 11971 (NET Bible)
71 It was good for me to suffer, so that I might
learn your statutes.
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Psalm 119141-143 (NET Bible)
141 I am insignificant and despised, yet I do not
forget your precepts. 142 Your justice endures,
and your law is reliable. 143 Distress and
hardship confront me, yet I find delight in your
commands.
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Psalm 119147-148 (NET Bible)
147 I am up before dawn crying for help. I find
hope in your word. 148 My eyes anticipate the
nighttime hours, so that I can meditate on your
word.
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The Scripture as Comfort
During Suffering . . . We are driven to the Word
of God
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The Scripture as Comfort
During Suffering . . . We are driven to the Word
of God The Word of God protects our fragile view
of God
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The Scripture as Comfort
During Suffering . . . We are driven to the Word
of God The Word of God protects our fragile view
of God The Word of God offers comfort
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Romans 154 (NET Bible)
4 For everything that was written in former times
was written for our instruction, so that through
endurance and through encouragement of the
scriptures we may have hope.
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Psalm 197-8 (NASB)
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the
soul The testimony of the Lord is sure, making
wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are
right, rejoicing the heart The commandment of
the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
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Psalm 11928 (NET Bible)
28 I collapse from grief. Sustain me by your word!
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Psalm 11949-50 (NASB)
49 Remember the word to Your servant, In which
You have made me hope. 50 This is my comfort in
my affliction, That Your word has revived me.
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Psalm 11992-93 (NET Bible)
92 If I had not found encouragement in your law,
I would have died in my sorrow. 93 I will never
forget your precepts, for by them you have
revived me.
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The Scripture as Comfort
During Suffering . . . We are driven to the Word
of God The Word of God protects our fragile view
of God The Word of God offers comfort
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Finding Comfort for Suffering