Comfort is a state of physical ease and freedom from pain and constraint, or the alleviation of a person’s feeling of grief and distress. In the journey of life, it is a fact that everyone needs comfort at one time or the other. Comfort can be in form of relief like material or financial provision, advice, encouragement, etc. However, no form of comfort is comparable with the one from God. David said *“Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side”* (Psalms 71:21).
Nations of the world are currently passing through turbulent period, which is adversely affecting their peace and economy. Citizens of these countries are lamenting on how their governments have failed them. They are clamouring for palliatives to cope with the prevailing economic burden and untold hardship in their lands. In a time like this, the best option is to turn to God for comfort, respite and succour. The book of 2 Chronicles chapter 7 gives an account of the special mega-offering which Solomon rendered unto God and the house he built for Him. The scripture says he sacrificed to God twenty-two thousand oxen and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep in one day. God was greatly moved by his attitude of sacrificial giving, He appeared to him by night, and said *“I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice”* (2 Chro. 7:12).
God takes delight in heartfelt sacrifices and offerings! If you want to experience divine comfort, begin to cultivate the habit of selfless giving to God and the course of His Kingdom. In the same scripture, 2 Chronicles 7:14, God unfolds the secret of comfort and freedom from affliction and oppression. *“If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”* At present, a number of countries are facing serious crisis; like political or leadership instability, natural disaster, economic woes, etc. The current and persistent global challenge calls for responding to this clarion call.
Every believer needs to go to God in humility, prayerfully seek His face and turn from his/her wickedness. God will forgive us, hear our cry and set our nation free. As our dear nation celebrates her 63rd Independence today, let us continue to pray for divine comfort and healing for our country. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Happy Independence celebrations! SHALOM.
