COMFORT

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 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. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

The word "comfort," is defined as "to soothe, console, or encourage." Fact is, we're human and from time to time have troubles and problems that seem to overwhelm us. There may be times when we feel as if our backs are against the wall and we may shed tears because we feel helpless. We may feel forsaken by those who care for us and are sympathetic to our situation. It's during these times that we need to lean on the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort", described by Paul. This same God stands ready to comfort us in all our tribulation if we will first humble ourselves and cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Being human, we oft tend to forget the part about humbling ourselves. The attitude that I alone can handle any situation shows that we have a problem with humility. This attitude will at some point cause us to become overwhelmed. I once heard troubles described as a sticks of wood that we carry on our backs. At the end of the day we either get on our knees and give the load to God, or carry it for another day. After a few days, the load becomes either overwhelming or only consists of the cares of that day. Humility is the ability to admit that we need to give that load of sticks to God and that we can't carry the burden without His help.

Casting our cares upon Him takes faith. No one would trust such an important task to a stranger and God should NOT be a stranger to us. If we have the proper relationship with Him, He will be our best friend, the one we turn to for comfort. Too often we use God as a last resort. How would you feel if someone claiming to be your child came to you and said, "I've tried everything and everyone else, now, I need you. You're my last resort, my only hope"?

Finally, Paul told the Corinthians in verse 4 that if we turn to God for our comfort, we are then able to comfort others. When we see a brother or sister in Christ in need of comfort, it is our duty to do all that we can to help. God works through Christians in this world to accomplish His ends. If we turn our backs on a brother or sister in need, then we have turned our backs on our Father as well.

"Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me'" (Matthew 25:37-40).

By David Ramey

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