Comforter

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

As Joshua prepared to enter and conquer the Promised Land, he received the command most often repeated by God, “Do not be afraid.” Joshua needn’t be afraid because God would be with him through thick and thin. Jesus also repeated this command. His disciples, like us, were prone to fear, whether under the shadow of death, bearing witness to their Lord, or living with the disfavor of men. There are many reasons to be afraid.

That’s why we need, and have been given, the “Comforter” — the Holy Spirit. What comes to mind when you hear the word Comforter? Do you think of a fluffy bed covering, something to snuggle up in? In English, comfort and consolation go hand in hand. I hope that isn’t your only thought about the divine Comforter. 

I like to think of Him with two foreign words, one Greek and one Latin.

The Greek word paracletos translated as comforter, literally means, one who comes along side to assist. A helper. An advocate. 

The Latin words cum forte translated as comfort, literally means, with strength.

The Comforter isn’t someone who only comes to console us after a battle, trial, or discouragement. He is there with strength and power before, during, and after each and every event. Because Jesus has already overcome the world, we have reason to “be of good cheer” [John 16:33], and live fearlessly as “more than conquerors” [Romans 8:37] because we have a divine Comforter.

Comfort: divine help and strength in every situation. “Do not be afraid,” God speaks today. You are a Christ follower. And regardless what your are facing, you have a divine Comforter, our gift from God through Christ [John 14:15-17].

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9