God as Comforter

Ecclesiastes 4:1 paints a rather bleak picture: Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed - and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors - and they have no comforter.

Here we find tears and oppression amidst the harsh realities of life. Of course, God told man that sin would indeed lead to difficulties (Genesis 3) – but historically, we are poor listeners.

Without God, man is indeed sans comforter. Without God, man’s opponents possess power which they intend to use against him. Without God…now that is a terrible place to be.

But with God – ah, with God we can find peace and contentment in all things. With God we can even find joy in the long journey. Yes, there will be pain and disappointment – but remember: we have God – and He can turn all mourning into dancing.

Weekly Project: Our contentment is not dependent on worldly devices (material things) – but on our intimate walk with God, the Comforter. But He will not force His comfort on us – so - to nurture that relationship, we need to divest ourselves of distractions. In other words – GIVE SOMETHING UP – DO WITHOUT THINGS – TRUST GOD TO FULFILL YOU. Abstain from materialism – for a definite period of time: a day, an evening, even an hour. Stop watching TV. Cease filling your time with technological distractions. Stop and listen for God. Sit with Him awhile. Trust Him to make the time valuable and fruitful. We will grow closer to Him in the process.

And while we’re at it, we may even find that the person who has been oppressing us…is ourself.