Andrew Elkins
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (English Standard Version)
It is always a help to have an example of someone having gone through the trials and tribulations you are facing and made it to the other side. Where the sufferer lived, or even when or who they were, is unimportant. All that matters is that the Scriptures hold up a light to show the way. When you are down and confused by life, lost as how to handle a situation, God will help. God has provided us a road map in the Scriptures.
I am constantly confused and angry about how events tend to have an effect on the lives of my family and myself. I admittedly fly off the handle at first, but then I calm down when I am exposed to the Scriptures. Sometimes I will go to the Bible myself and look for help. Often, however, God has to show me the way to the Scriptures. I always find a lesson in how Daniel or David or Peter or any of the people from Scripture handled the rough times and persevered.
When we don't hear the Lord speaking directly to us, God is still there to help us. The Scriptures were written specifically for our instruction. They are there, and have been there through the years to show us that we aren't alone. In this way the scriptures give us "comfort", one translation puts it, or "encouragement", which I feel is more accurate, as we navigate our way from one day to the next. Seeing the crowd that has gone before us through the reading of the Scriptures is a great boost to the downtrodden and harassed.
The Lord set down the Scriptures so that we might learn how to deal with our trials. They are an example of perseverance and support for everyone, now and forever. With the Scriptures to hold us up we have ample reason to hope for tomorrow.
Lord lead us to the wisdom of your Scriptures. Let your Scriptures guide us and comfort us. Let us learn your will from your word. Give us encouragement through your word, So we may live in eternal hope. Amen.
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