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, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

The dictionary defines “comfort” as “strengthening aid: assistance, support, solace; consolation in time of trouble or worry.”  The Bible is full of God’s assurance of comfort in our lives, which leads us to deduce that life is inherently full of trials and trouble.  In fact, scripture also confirms that in John 16:33 when Christ tells us to take heart, for even though we will have trouble in this world, he has overcome the world.  So, if trouble is a given, and comfort is also promised, where do we look for the comfort?

his presence

Christ told his disciples when he was about to leave them for his heavenly home that he would leave them “another comforter” to be with them always.  The Greek word for “another” means not just another one of similar type, but one exactly like the first.  The Holy Spirit given to us is, in fact, one with Christ and equal to him in every way.  Therefore he is able to comfort us just as Christ would.  And we are never away from him presence, since he lives within us.  We carry about in our bodies the spirit of Christ that imparts to us his peace and comfort in our every care.  We do not have to go to a special place, or wait for a special time.  His comfort is available to us at all times, since he is ever present.  And the fruit of his spirit within us includes peace, joy, patience, and gentleness.  He uses these qualities of his presence to comfort us.

his faithfulness

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Joshua ordered that 12 stones be piled on the other side of the river to serve as a sign among them.  “In the future when your children ask you ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that…these stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever”.(Joshua 4:6-7)  Joshua wanted the people to be reminded that God was faithful to them and had brought them out of the desert wandering and into the land he had promised them.  Whether we actually build a pile of stones or not, each of us should have a “memorial” that represents to those around us (and reminds ourselves of) God’s faithfulness.  When we have such evidence in our lives, it is easy to bring it to mind and enjoy the comfort that God provides with his track record.  We do not have to look far for examples in our lives.  God is faithful to provide our every need, when we simply trust him for it.  And the evidence mounts as we walk with him and see him meet our needs.  Each of us has plenty of stones to remind us of just what he has done in our lives.  And others can share in the joy and comfort he provides for us as they look at our “pile of stones” and praise God for his wondrous works.

his word

We really have been given much comfort in God’s written word to us.  Its pages hold truth that can change our lives and the world around us.  It gives us direction when we are confused.  It gives us instruction when we are uninformed.  It gives us absolute truth that we can build our lives on.  It is all there for us in his word, and it is up to us to go to it both in time of plenty and in time of need. In his word is the real comfort that we need in our lives.  Anything else that we turn to will leave us lacking, but his word is complete.  It is truth (John 17:17) and it contains everything we need.  The Psalmist wrote “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.  My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” (Psalm 119:49-50)  Allow God to comfort you through his word.  Allow him to speak to your heart and give solace to your soul.  Let his word minister to your heart in a way that nothing else can, and come away from your time in the word with a strength and understanding that only he can provide.  Then in turn, strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ.  After all, his comfort is meant to be shared.

Then we, like Jeremiah, can testify regardless of our circumstances: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:21-23

points to ponder

  1. When life gets rough and your problems seem big, who do you go to for comfort?
  2. Can you point to a “pile of stones” that testify to God’s faithfulness in your life?
  3. Do you trust God’s word to bring you the comfort that you need in life or do you look to other sources for help?

prayer

Lord Jesus, surely you have placed us in this world to live for you.  But that road often holds hard times and difficult circumstances that we have to face.  Comfort us, Lord with your perfect peace and your sweet presence.  Show us truth in your word that will draw us to your side and fill us with your understanding.  Strengthen us as we trust you with our tests and trials, and fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may be more like you.  Use us in the lives of those around us to minister your comfort in their lives as we have received it in ours.  We look to you alone.  Amen.