(Psalms 137:1-6) By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres. For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!" How shall we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy!
(1 Thessalonians 3:6-7) But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you-- for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.
When the Israelites were held captive in Babylon, they found comfort in their faith. Their circumstances were difficult but it lead them to a greater appreciation for what they had in Israel and in some ways drew them into a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Paul describes the comfort he found in knowing that the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica we faithful in their love for God, love for each other, and love for him.
God intends for the difficulties in your life to increase your faith, draw you closer to him, give you a greater appreciation for what He has given you, and lead to a greater level of compassion for others. He intends for you to draw comfort in your difficulties through His faithfulness to you.
Questions For Discussion
How did the Israelites find comfort in their captivity?
How did Paul find comfort in his imprisonment?
How can you find comfort in your difficulties?
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