Consolation – The Presidential Prayer Team

For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. – Psalm 95:7

Comfort… your view is likely at least somewhat shaped by the American dream or entertainment. Consider two kinds of comfort you might be seeking today: the kind you can purchase, such as nice belongings or a comfortable environment, or the kind the Holy Spirit brings, that of peace and spiritual maturity.

The early church as described in Acts offers a beautiful picture of the consolation brought through the Holy Spirit. In those days, if you made a profession of faith in Jesus as Christ, you were risking everything: social rejection, prison, beatings, and possibly even death. There was nothing comfortable about the situation! Yet, they persevered, showing us that God’s consolation is about more than agreeable circumstances. Early believers stood in faith when there was nothing but faith to stand on! And they found the joy of entering God’s beautiful pasture of comfort and rest amidst the tribulation.

In the world’s economy, there is no place for suffering, it only brings loss and should be avoided. But God’s sovereignty over affliction brings a consumable grace to the enduring soul. Suffering does not only bring devastation; it can sow the seeds of a newly discovered faith for those choosing to trust God in the midst of their circumstances.

Pray for those in desperate need, both physically and spiritually, across the globe today. Intercede on behalf of America’s decision-makers, that they will faithfully use resources to bring relief where needed most and that this generosity would lead hearts to be opened to God’s great consolation in Jesus Christ.

Today’s Verse: Psalm 95:7

For he is our God,
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice,

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Matthew 11:25-30

⁵At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; ²⁶yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. ²⁷All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ²⁸Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”