Jesus Christ Our Only Comfort: 7 Devotions for Hard Times

Our world today is filled with turmoil. But not only our world—our personal lives are also full of stress, sorrow, and grief. Sometimes we wonder how we can make it through the day.

The Bible has much to say about suffering and grief. Its pages often encourage us to “Fear not” when we become terrified and to “Take refuge in the Lord” when overcome with sorrow. Many people have found comfort in the opening words of an old confession, the Heidelberg Catechism. This confession was first used in 1563 as a teaching tool in churches in Germany, but soon other churches and believers found comfort in its teachings as well.

The confession begins by asking this question:

What is your only comfort in life and in death?

The answer affirms:

That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

At Today, we know that the topic of suffering fills the minds of many—even the most faithful of believers. And so we have compiled these seven devotions entitled “Our Only Comfort.” It is our prayer that these readings may encourage you in your struggles and provide hope, comfort, and a way to live in and through the hard times of sorrow and grief.

Written by Eleanor Lamsma, former managing editor of Today. You may download these devotions as an ebook right here.