The Source Of Our Comfort October 10, 2015

2 Corinthians 1:3-7     3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Psalm 68:35     You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Isaiah 66:13     As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

Romans 15:5     May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

2 Corinthians 7:6     But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

Ephesians 1:3     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

The world’s definition of comfort is ”the alleviation of suffering or despair.” However, the Lord has a different view. The hardship He allows to enter a believer’s life is a teaching tool. Because we mature spiritually when we exercise faith, our Father doesn’t remove the cause of our troubles but instead gives us the encouragement and strength to work through them.

Whether we are in immediate pain or not, the Holy Spirit is available to us. God sent His Spirit to dwell within everyone who believes—in that way, our source of help is as close as our own beating heart. Nobody else understands our need the way He does. When we feel unable to bear one more second of affliction, He whispers into our soul, “Yes, you can, because I am here.” There is no healing balm like the voice of God’s Spirit.

In some circumstances, the Spirit directs our minds to Scripture. Reading a passage is a way to hear directly from the Lord. This is one of the reasons I encourage turning to the Bible during times of trial. A scripture’s personal meaning and application may not be apparent immediately, but God will bring the verse to mind when it’s most needed.

The day that someone receives Christ, he or she is sealed as God’s child. The Lord can’t break His promises, and He has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). He will not allow us to be hurt any more than He knows we can stand—and since He is omnipresent, He’s always available to help us. His comfort is available and adequate to meet the need, whatever our level of affliction.