Finding Comfort for SufferingFinding Comfort for Suffering

Escapes from pain (unhealthy)Escapes from pain (unhealthy)

Finding Comfort for SufferingFinding Comfort for Suffering

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

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

Finding Comfort for SufferingFinding Comfort for Suffering

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

•Work

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

•Work

Finding Comfort for SufferingFinding Comfort for Suffering

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

•Work

•Pleasure (food, sex, etc.)

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

•Work

•Pleasure (food, sex, etc.)

Finding Comfort for SufferingFinding Comfort for Suffering

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

•Work

•Pleasure (food, sex, etc.)

•Entertainment (gaming, TV, internet, golf,

etc.)

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

•Work

•Pleasure (food, sex, etc.)

•Entertainment (gaming, TV, internet, golf,

etc.)

Finding Comfort for SufferingFinding Comfort for Suffering

The Scripture as ComfortThe Scripture as Comfort

During Suffering . . .

We are driven to the Word of God

During Suffering . . .

We are driven to the Word of God

The Scripture as ComfortThe Scripture as Comfort

71 It was good for me to suffer, so that I might learn your statutes.

Psalm 119:71 (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.

Psalm 119:141-143 (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.

Psalm 119:147-148 (NET Bible)

During Suffering . . .

We are driven to the Word of God

During Suffering . . .

We are driven to the Word of God

The Scripture as ComfortThe Scripture as Comfort

During Suffering . . .

We are driven to the Word of God

The Word of God protects our fragile view of God

During Suffering . . .

We are driven to the Word of God

The Word of God protects our fragile view of God

The Scripture as ComfortThe 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

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

The Scripture as ComfortThe Scripture as Comfort

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.

Romans 15:4 (NET Bible)

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.

Psalm 19:7-8 (NASB)

28 I collapse from grief. Sustain me by your word!

Psalm 119:28 (NET Bible)

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.

Psalm 119:49-50 (NASB)

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.

Psalm 119:92-93 (NET Bible)

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

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

The Scripture as ComfortThe Scripture as Comfort

Finding Comfort for SufferingFinding Comfort for Suffering