THE
GOD OF ALL COMFORT
2
Corinthians 1:3-5
“Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the
God of all comfort who comforts us in all our afflictions with
the comfort with which we ourselves
are comforted by God. Just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in
abundance, so also our comfort is
abundant through Christ.”
The word “comfort” means “to come alongside someone and take up their burden with them.”
How many of you need encouragement today? I would venture to say that each and every one of you would appreciate someone to come alongside of you and speak words of encouragement and hope. I know I would. I received word this morning that my brother-in-law, whom we had just visited, died in the hospital from emphysema caused from smoking cigarettes for over 50 years. He was more like my brother than a brother-in-law. I immediately went to the Word of God for comfort as I needed a lot of comfort this morning.
However there is something very wonderful that happens when the truth of the Word of God is transferred by the Holy Spirit to your inner life in a time of testing. For example, if you are carrying a heavy load of care and worry about something or someone, I Peter 5:7 is appropriate, “Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you” or “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7).
When you have experienced God’s comfort in a certain trial, you are much more prepared to help others who are experiencing that same trial. This is the result of the wonderful grace of God. Paul also tells us that the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance so also is our comfort abundant through Christ.
So beloved Christian, what are you going through today that you need God’s comfort? Be assured it is there for you - just rest in His Word*. God bless,
Much love in our Savior,
*See also Psalm 23:4, Psalm 119:50, Proverbs 29:17, Isaiah 51:12, Romans 15:5, Philippians 2:1, I Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11, and Hebrews 6:18.