2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (Darby)
3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassions, and God of all encouragement;
4 who encourages us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to encourage those who are in any tribulation whatever, through the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged of God.
I always feel inadequate when I must pay my condolence to a bereaved brother, I think that whatever I say is insufficient in the face of their grief and pain, but the Bible assures us that no person is beyond God’s help and that no tragedy is so great that our heavenly Father cannot comfort us.
The apostle Paul describes Jehovah as “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials.
The idea of comfort implies at least two parties: one who gives the comfort and one who receives it. It also implies a need—one that Scripture speaks of exclusively for humans. Animals cannot receive spiritual comfort, only humans who are higher than the animals, lower than the angels, and composed of body, soul, and spirit created with the capacity to receive and give comfort.
We, humans, uniquely suffer distress—past, present, and future, and we live in a world where comfort is required.
Even when we remember previous distress, they fill us afresh with grief or regrets according to Genesis 37:35.
We face each day’s troubles with worry, Matthew 6:25–32, as we reflect on these things and dread what may come next. But beyond these worldly matters is that most distressing sensation of all, the guilt for having deeply, inexcusably offended our good and righteous Creator and Judge.
It is normal to seek comfort when life happens. As Christians, that usually means searching in two places: God’s presence and God’s word. Trials will require you to shift your focus instead of looking all around for comfort, of living in fear of the circumstances, we can look to God who holds us. God’s word is the rock to build our lives upon and we can turn to him when life happens to be relieved and comforted.
God is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who in His mercy and love, is eager to provide comfort for His children in all circumstances.
Our heavenly Father knows every situation we face and offers comfort as needed. Because God is the comforter, He alone is our source of peace, happiness, and blessings.
Remember that God is our refuge, a place to seek shelter and protection and a place to put our trust.
Comfort flows through us to others so that we can comfort them in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God according to 2 Corinthians 1:4.
We are to comfort those who are in trouble, sick or prison, whether we can change their circumstances according to Matthew 25:36–40, that’s where we glorify God.
The Holy Spirit—the Parakletos, the Comforter, Counsellor, or Helper is the one through whom Jesus keeps His promise to always be with and to comfort us.
Because the Holy Spirit walks close beside us, we receive comfort in our troubles, and conquerors them says Romans 8: 30–39.
When we finally leave the temporary troubles of this life and enter the permanent joy of the next, Father God will forever comfort us, and wipe off our tears according to Isaiah 25:8.
Allow the God of all comfort to cover you with His comfort and everlasting love.
Shalom
