"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

One of the most precious gifts of God is consolation. Often, we experience it without naming it. It simply is. The provision of God when we are troubled.

When was the last time you were comforted in a time of stress or trouble? Encouraged when you were diminished or depressed? Found hope when all seemed lost? That is consolation.

If you’re like me, consolation hasn’t really been on your radar. Especially as part of your daily walk with God. But recently I have come to understand and cherish consolation as the rescue God intends for us. Daily and yes, sometimes, even moment by moment.

One of the most poignant passages of scripture regarding consolation is found in Luke 2:25:

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.”

For Simeon, in the temple, the “consolation of Israel” refers to the big picture consolation for the nation – the coming of the Messiah. The redemption of the Jewish people through the coming of their redeemer to, once again, set them free.

Our consolation as Christians, in the big picture, is in the return of our Lord Jesus Christ to rule and reign forever. To redeem his people from the results of “The Fall” and the ultimate defeat of the “king of this world.”

However, if we will ask for it, seek it out, and choose it, the consolation God provides for his people is a daily rescue. A daily provision. Daily abundance.

Remember, Jesus taught us to pray “give us this day our daily bread.” Daily bread encompasses a lot. Physical and spiritual provision, strength, courage, and perseverance. It also includes consolation – comfort, encouragement and hope.

Now there is much that can get in the way of the daily abundance of the consolation God intends for us. Fear is a big one. Anger and hatred are others. Frustration and doubt also come to mind. These are sinful postures we take in the world and our enemy uses them, like all sin, against us. At best he makes suggestions, “They really don’t see you.”, and tries to get you to agree with him. If you do, he now has a claim on your life through your agreement. At worst he encourages someone else in their own sin to sin against you. An argument with a loved one, friend, or colleague that turns nasty. He is hoping you will escalate the situation to drive a wedge between you. Remember the Evil One’s endgame is separation. Separation from God and from others.

The daily consolation of God in our lives is an antidote to the enemy’s work of separation. But how do we find it? How do we appropriate consolation in our lives to thwart the Enemy’s plans?

The consolation of our Lord on a daily, intimate, personal basis is most easily accessed in and through love. The people and places you love and the things you love to do.

When you have a hard day at work or school, with the kids, or your friends. Seek love. When the temptation of your sin nature drives you to relief and you lean toward worldly “comforters.” – a drink, your favorite TV show, food, or other more dangerous familiars. Ask this question ... “Do these “comforters” provide consolation or relief?”

Jesus’ consolation, his provision, for us in times of stress is not relief but renewal, healing, and restoration in him. Now I know, we have been trained over many years to reach for relief instead of consolation. It’s much easier to grab a beer from the fridge than to pause our hearts and minds “mid-swing” and take the pain to Jesus.

But you can if you engage your will in love. If you truly want more than simple, fleeting relief. If your heart’s desire is consolation, you can receive it. Consolation is found in and through love. Instead of reaching for a beer, pick up the phone and call your best friend. Have a conversation with someone you deeply love and who deeply loves you. Share your story and listen to theirs.

Instead of bingeing a TV show or scrolling on Instagram, go to your favorite place, the place where you feel alive and free. If you can’t go there in person, find a picture or simply remember one of your favorite times there. What you did, how you felt, who you were with. Rest there and invite Jesus to come with you.

Instead of trying to comfort yourself with food, let Jesus comfort you in the things you love to do. Gardening, building, tinkering in the workshop or garage, whatever it is you do where you feel alive. Do that and ask Jesus to come with you.

Talk to him about your day. Ask him the questions you need answers to. Release your day to him, the good and the bad. Not in resignation or giving up in frustration but in knowing that only in him will you find the answers you need. Remember Peter said,  

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

The consolation of God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, brings life, restoration, and freedom. If we will recognize it is available and choose consolation instead of relief, we find both deeper union with Jesus and rest for our souls.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." – Matthew 11:28-30

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." - Psalm 62:1

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." - Isaiah 26:3

"Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." - Psalm 116:7

"This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" - Jeremiah 6:16

May you find your daily consolation in and through love, with Jesus, that you may be restored, renewed, and redeemed. Day by day, moment by moment, in the fullness of the Daily Bread that is available to you, uniquely and personally in and through love, with Jesus. Amen!

My new book,

THE TOV HEART: God's Design for a Life Rooted in What Matters Most 

is available from Amazon here THE TOV HEART

You can get more information and download the first chapter free by clicking

THE TOV HEART Gift

It is my hope and prayer that you will be blessed and challenged to look for more with God - Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. No matter how much you think you have, there is always MORE! Godspeed!

Copyright © 2025 Ray Schmidt