The God of all comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

This passage, of course, needs no commentary. But perhaps, to expand upon it would assist us to meditate more deeply upon its truths. For you see! We have a God who is the God of all comfort! He comforteth us in all our tribulation! There is no tribulation in which God cannot comfort us with His presence, and bring abiding consolation to our souls. We do not endure trials alone. We may be beset by troubles daily, but we can be therefore surrounded by His comfort daily also. If we do not flee to the refuge of our souls, we may not experience that comfort; but if we will find our all in all in Christ, we shall see that He is a God of all comfort.

Now, why do we endure what we endure? The Scriptures clearly teach us that it is all for a distinct and useful purpose. It is that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. God knows that we shall meet others in life who are in trouble. We have endured the things we have endured so that we may make their load and burden lighter. We have traversed the pathway that we have traversed so that when someone of similar plight and circumstance crosses our earthly path, we may have the skill and knowledge to edify and comfort them in their journey. God comforts us so that we may comfort others. Have you been tried? Have you tribulations? Have you hardships and difficulties? Are you experiencing them now in some way? It is for two purposes, I assure you. First, it is that you may learn to take your daily comfort from the Lord. Second, it is that you may be able to comfort someone else one day who is enduring the same things. My friend, do not despise the trials of life, but let God work out His most wonderful and holy will, using you as an instrument of comfort to a weary world.

“Father, we thank you that you freely bestow upon us the sweet comfort of God. We need it each day, but especially when the circumstances are bewildering and the events of life turbulent and exhausting. We know that Thy comfort can override these things, and can provide us with the constant peace that we are in desperate need of. And we pray, Lord, that when the time comes that you send some struggling soul down the path we once trod, may we be a lifter up of burdens to them, bringing them the comfort that you once brought us. And we trust you for these things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”