Text: Romans 5:3-5

 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  4 And patience, experience;  and experience, hope:  5 And hope maketh not ashamed;  because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  

Saturday, 10^th August 2024

THE HOLY SPIRIT COMFORTS US IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

Text: Romans 5:3-5

Memory verse: Galatians 4: 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

This is the most comforting thought I could ever imagine. In any situation, the Holy Spirit helps control any thought that is counter to the Word of God and will not allow us not to have circumstances that dictates our feelings or emotions. The comfort we receive in our spirits can flow to our minds and bodies.

However, we must first access the Holy Spirit before we can receive His benefits. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Christian life. Jesus Himself did not manifest the power of God until he had been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Apostle Paul said in Romans 5:3-5 that, "… we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Tribulation itself gives us different and various occasions to rejoice, yet it does not make us miserable. Afflictions makes us patient, and patience assures us of the goodness of God, and this experience confirms and fosters our hope, which never deceives us. Seasons of suffering certainly are not anyone’s preferred seasons of life, but I have been noticing something curious taking place within me as time goes by.  The older I get, and the longer I have be walking with Jesus, the more I find myself able to maintain a joyful attitude even when heavy things are taking place. Our difficulties may feel heavy, but their weight is designed to drive us into deeper intimacy with God, strengthening us and anchoring us to the steady hope of His love.

In recent years, I have experienced seasons of grief primarily due to the loss of loved ones.  I have experienced seasons of loss and unmet expectations.  I have experienced trials, some due to my own decisions, and some due to the decisions of others. It is likely that you have experienced some of these things, but if you have been able to rejoice while in the midst of these experiences, that’s because the Holy Spirit is pouring the love of God into your heart through His comforting presence.  He’s changing your perception and helping you to see beyond your temporary circumstances.  He is reminding you that you are going to be OK and your circumstances are going to resolve unto God’s glory and for your good.

CGDS HYMN 7; SS&S 49:

WHAT A BLESSED HOPE IS MINE

1. What a blessed hope is mine,

 Through the love of Jesus!

I’m an heir of life divine,

Through the love of Jesus!

Refrain

He will my soul defend.

He, my unchanging Friend;

He will keep me to the end:

All glory be to Jesus!

2. I can sing without fear,

Praise the name of Jesus!

He, my present help, is near,

Praise the name of Jesus!

3. Pressing on my pilgrim way,

Trusting only Jesus!

Oh, ‘tis joy from day to day,

Trusting only Jesus!

4. Thus, my journey I’ll pursue,

Looking unto Jesus!

Till the land of rest I view,

There to dwell with Jesus!

 Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, help me by Your Spirit not to give up no matter what I go through in life.

2.  LORD God Almighty, be my very present help in time of trouble by Your Spirit in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.