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January 17, 1999, Sunday
What should be the condition for choosing a friend?
Where can you find the best counsel and at what time
does it arrive? Does God have a purpose in allowing
trials and difficulties in our lives, and can one find
comfort during the painful period?
The Psalmist declared that his choice for a friend was
anyone who revered and feared God to follow His commands--
"I am a companion to all who fear You, and to all that
keep Your precepts; The earth is full of Your kindness,
O Jehová, teach Your statutes to me" (Psa 119:63-64)!
The commandments of God were valuable to him as a friend
and anyone who understood that with him was welcome as
his companion. He understood that companionship of God's
Word and how it spoke to him.
The Psalmist wanted to bless God for His counsel and His
advice that gave him success in his endeavors each day--
"I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart
also instructs me in the night seasons" (Psa 16:7). The
Psalmist found that many answers came to him while he was
still and silent before God. God was the Counselor to the
Psalmist that helped him make right decisions.
Paul was alone many times and also knew the value of a
companion and counselor. He suffered great trials and
troubles but found God to be faithful as a Comforter-
"He comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be
able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the
comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God"
(2Co 1:4). Paul was able to write encouraging letters
and preach messages of hope to comfort others because
God had comforted him in many afflictions.
Let us remember who is the God that is always with us. God's
Name is Jehová Shammah. He is the God that is our Companion.
His fellowship is our joy and confidence. He is our Counselor.
When we do not have an answer in difficult times, He gives us
the answer. Jehová Shammah is our Comforter. When we are
suffering, He comforts us with with His reassurance. He gives
more grace according to His promise. Lift your hands to Him
and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that
is always with us, our Immanuel!
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