[Read the verses first. Click on the reference to read online.]
comfort noun... 1: strengthening aid: a: assistance, support b: consolation in time of trouble or worry: solace
--- Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th Ed.)Because we live in a world full of trouble, we all need comfort at one time or another. So I'm wondering: Where do you go for comfort?
When you've had a bad day or received devastating news, where do you turn first?
The world offers a wide array of different options promising comfort. Where does yours come from? another person? a bottle? the refrigerator? social media? television? shopping?
Is your current choice of comfort and escape working for you? Is it something you would suggest to someone else? Or is it something you keep hidden? something you are ashamed of?
Paul points us to the only One who can comfort us in all our troubles: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... the God of all comfort.
He alone can strengthen and console. Support. Assist. No matter what trouble or worry we face.
Is He the first one you think of to take your troubles to? Or do you pick up the phone? log onto the internet? run to the refrigerator?
God is the God of all comfort.
He is our refuge and strength. A shield of protection in a harsh world. He can raise the dead! Why would we go anywhere else?
In this world Believers will suffer like Christ, but in the suffering we find comfort in God. The difficulties we experience, those far beyond our ability to endure, teach us not to rely on ourselves or our idea of comfort, but on God. In turn, we are enabled to encourage others to find their comfort in Him.
Begin to seek God's comfort first. The next time you find yourself annoyed or your feelings hurt, turn to the One who can truly comfort. Leave the bottle closed, the computer off, the door shut...
And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit
or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people...
1 Samuel 12:21-22 ESV
Go to the One true source of comfort through His Word, through prayer by the power of His Spirit... and become equipped to help others know His comfort.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles...
2 Corinthians 1:3
Lord, reveal the empty things I run to for comfort other than You.
Do not let them satisfy me even for a moment. Teach me to turn to You,
the God of all comfort. Grow me to share Your comfort with others.
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