Topical Encyclopedia The theme of God's presence with His afflicted saints is a profound and recurring motif throughout the Scriptures. The Bible consistently affirms that God does not abandon His people in their times of suffering and distress. Instead, He is portrayed as a compassionate and ever-present help, providing comfort, strength, and deliverance.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for understanding God's presence with the afflicted. In the book of Exodus, God hears the cries of the Israelites under Egyptian bondage and responds with deliverance. Exodus 3:7-8 states, "The LORD said, 'I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians.'" The Psalms frequently echo this theme, portraying God as a refuge and strength for those in distress. Psalm 34:18 declares, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." Similarly, Psalm 46:1 affirms, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." Prophetic Assurance The prophets also emphasize God's presence with His afflicted people. Isaiah 41:10 offers reassurance: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness." This promise underscores God's commitment to uphold and support His people through their trials. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the presence of God with the afflicted is most fully realized in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, entered into human suffering and identified with the afflicted. In Matthew 11:28 , Jesus invites the weary and burdened, saying, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, speaks of God's comfort in affliction. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 , he writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." The Presence of the Holy Spirit The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is another assurance of God's nearness to His afflicted saints. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a Comforter and Helper. In John 14:16-17 , Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." Eternal Perspective The afflictions of the saints are also placed in the context of eternal hope. Romans 8:18 offers perspective: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This eternal perspective provides comfort and assurance that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that God is with His afflicted saints. Whether through direct intervention, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, or the hope of eternal glory, God's presence is a source of strength and solace for those who suffer. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 46:5,7God is in the middle of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 43:2 Library Concerning the Honour Due to the Saints and their Remains. The Psalms of David Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ... Psalm 65:1. 1-5. First Part. LM Public Prayer and Praise. Psalm 65 Part 1 Public Prayer and Praise. In that Flesh in which the Saints have Suffered So Many ... The Fifty-Eighth Chapter: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of ... Psalm 55 Support for the Afflicted and Tempted Soul. Whether Sacrifice Should be Offered to God Alone? How Abraham, David, and Other Saints Went Beyond the Requirement ... Resources Why did Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the passion of Christ? | GotQuestions.org Where does the Old Testament predict the coming of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org Afflicted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Afflicted Saints: Christ Comforts Afflicted Saints: Christ Delivers Afflicted Saints: Christ is With Afflicted Saints: Christ Preserves Afflicted Saints: Christ Supports Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Apostles Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: David Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Eli Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Job Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Joseph Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Moses Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Nehemiah Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Paul Afflicted Saints: God Comforts Afflicted Saints: God Delivers Afflicted Saints: God is a Refuge and Strength To Afflicted Saints: God Preserves Afflicted Saints: should Acknowledge the Justice of Their Chastisements Afflicted Saints: should Avoid Sin Afflicted Saints: should be Frequent in Prayer Afflicted Saints: should be Patient Afflicted Saints: should be Resigned Afflicted Saints: should Imitate Christ Afflicted Saints: should Imitate the Prophets Afflicted Saints: should Keep the Pious Resolutions Made During Afflictions Afflicted Saints: should not Despise Chastening Afflicted Saints: should Praise God Afflicted Saints: should Take Encouragement from Former Mercies Afflicted Saints: should Trust in the Goodness of God Afflicted Saints: should Turn and Devote Themselves to God Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Bear Them in Mind Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Comfort Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Pity Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Pray for Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Protect Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Relieve Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Sympathise With Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Visit Them Related Terms |
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