2 Corinthians 1:3-4

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

One memory I have from childhood is lying in bed listening to my parents in the next room as they talked and watched TV. I remember it so well not because it was such an outstanding event, but because of how comfortable and safe it made me feel. I loved going to sleep knowing that my parents were right there and if I could hear them, then they would be able to hear me if I needed them. One thing we all want in life is to be comfortable and to be comforted when we are hurting.

            In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 it says that God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. This past week I have seen so many people who are in need of comfort. I have had a family member in the hospital, friends whose spouses have passed away, and been told of another family who is dealing with a sorrow so horrible I can’t even imagine it- just to name a few. I know that their hearts are hurting, and they need comforted. I also know that they only true comforter for them is God. I am so thankful that God says in His word that He will be our comfort.

            Comfort in the Strong’s Concordance means to call to ones side, summon, console, encourage, strengthen by consolation, instruct, and teach. It is so good to know that God is always right by our side no matter what we are facing today. He is present to console us, comfort us, and encourage us.  It says here that comfort can also mean to instruct and teach. I think this is also fitting because in many of the storms and trials that we face we need God to teach us how to keep on keeping on. Sometimes we need His strength and His wisdom just to get out of bed in the morning and put one foot in front of the other. Maybe you need wisdom to know how to pay the bills, what the right medical decisions are, what relationships to focus on and which ones you need to lay aside, and even how to live alone after the death of a loved one.

            David had times where he struggled with the death of loved ones, murder in his own family, betrayal by those he thought were his friends and family, times where he didn’t know how he was going to face the day. He had times where he wanted to curl up and give up. In Psalm 119:49-50 it says “Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my trouble.” God has given us His word full of promises. Promises to help us no matter what trouble we find ourselves in. It is so good to know that we can rest in the hope of God’s promises for whatever problem we are facing today.

            Another important part of verse 4 of 2 Corinthians 1 says that God comforts us in our troubles so that after we are comforted we are then able to comfort others in the same way we were comforted. I have two children and one of them in particular doesn’t like to go to sleep at night unless my husband and I are in the living room watching TV or talking. I find it interesting that my son now seeks comfort in the same way I did as a child, and now I get to be the comforter instead of the comforted. When we have gone through a particularly rough season and we have come out on the other side, we need to remember that there are other people who are still facing situations that are very similar to ours. We need to watch and see if an opportunity presents itself for us to minister God’s comfort to others in the same way that we have been comforted.

            I don’t know what season you are in right now. Maybe you are in a stormy season. A season where the rain is blinding you, the wind is beating against you, and you feel that you can hardly move. God is there to comfort you. God’s comfort may come to you through His word, through another person, or even just a peace in your heart, but the comfort is there and available to you. Maybe you are in a season of peace and comfort right now. A time where you don’t feel that you need God’s comfort in such an obvious way. This might be a time for you to think of the times that God has been faithful to be your rock and your comfort, and for you to go and be a comfort to someone else. No matter which season of life you are in at the moment, God is there. He has promised that he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and that our sorrow will be turned into joy (John 16:22).