The Perils of Comfort (part III)

“But Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:15).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

We must always be on our guard after each victorious moment. God’s love is enduring but His Grace needs to be sustained through conscious avoidance of the perils of comfort. Romans chapter 6 verses 1-2 (New King James Version) states: “what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”

As we conclude this series of three devotionals, it is essential for us to know that God is never opposed to the comfort of His people. It was always the intention of God to foster fellowship with us and He delights in our joy. Thus, in Psalm 16:11 (New King James Version) we read: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore”.

In the first part of this series of devotionals, we concluded that one of the ways to remain consistent and avoid drifting into the dangers of comfort or the perils of careless relaxation after triumph is to attend to the needs of others. However, let us conclude this series by considering the one critical factor that makes us all detest evil. Its possession guarantees the security of our destiny: the fear of God!

The Book of Proverbs 16:6 (New King James Version) reads: “by mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.” This clearly illustrates the difference between Joseph and people such as Samson. It brings to mind the bold declaration that Joseph made before he escaped from the alluring presence of Potiphar’s wife. He said: “how then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9b, New International Version).

It was the lack of the fear of God that almost prevented King David from fulfilling his destiny and that made Solomon regress. One of the two things that King Solomon asked God to grant him before he died was the grace not to fall into perils of comfort (read Proverbs 30 verses 7-9). The fear of God is visible to all including the devil. When he questioned the faithfulness and consistency of Job before God, he said: “does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9b, New King James Version).

You cannot fear God if you do not know Him. You cannot know Him if you do not have His spirit in you. Thus: “the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him…the Spirit of the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2, New King James Version). The only way for us to show our unreserved fear of the Living God is by living life according to His word, Psalms 119 verse 11 states: “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.” . You shall finish strong by God’s Grace!

Let us pray: “Father, by your unfailing mercy, help me! Help me to be watchful, prayerful, consistent and finish my race strong. Let the fear of the Lord uphold me at all times, in battle and in victory,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.

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