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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

What means comfort to you?  Perhaps it’s a warm fuzzy blanket.  Could it be a bowl of chocolate caramel ice cream?  Better yet maybe it’s the sound of waves crashing on the shore.   Regardless of what brings you comfort, we’ve all experienced moments when we found ourselves in desperate need of comfort.

A simple unimpressive side chair was my fave comfort spot during my single parenting journey.  Why?  It definitely wasn’t because the cushions were plush.  Nothing special about that inexpensive piece of furniture, yet it was the place where I felt comfort in abundance.  The side arms were close and when I curled up in the chair, I felt like the arms of God were holding me.  My fave place for talking to God, reading His word, pouring out my heart, sitting in silence and listening. Best comfort giver ever.  The sweet presence of my God during a difficult and lonely journey.

Pause for a moment and reflect on the comfort God has generously given to you.  Zero in on those times when desperation sent you running into His arms.  Rejoice over the moments when God’s comfort, healing and counsel allowed you to maneuver through hard places. Grab a pen and paper and write down what His comfort means to you even on a daily basis when life is simple, uncomplicated and good.

Life is challenging, yet we make it through not as lone rangers but as those who bask in the comfort and mercy of our Heavenly Father.  Stewarding the comfort God pours over us isn’t optional.  Our verse today reminds us that as recipients of His comfort, we are to then comfort others in any affliction.

Now I’ve read this verse a lot of times, but this week some keywords really caught my eye:  all and any. No matter what our situation, God is the giver of all comfort. There are no limitations or preferences.  God comforts us in the most insignificant issue to the places of our deepest desperation.  Wherever and whenever we need comfort, He exceeds our imagination.  And that word any, well it reminds us that we who have received comfort are to extend comfort to anyone in any situation.

Keeping it real here – I know that the best comforters are the ones who have walked in the shoes of the one in need of comfort.  When we have experienced loss, we have a deeper understanding of how to serve the one sinking in grief.  When we have journeyed through depression, the comfort we bring is strategic and purposeful because we know what helped us get through.  Yet sweet sisters, God’s word doesn’t lock us into those boxes.

Read today’s verse and listen to God’s plan – we are to comfort anyone in any situation. Our past experiences may not mirror someone else’s situation but that doesn’t excuse us from reaching out, praying for and comforting others. The very presence of God hovering over me in that old chair many years ago was a healing balm to my soul. Our comfort presence in the life of someone else can do the same.

“Father help us to cherish the memory of your comfort presence and then seek Your help in sharing comfort with others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life