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. —2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Amy Carmichael says this about the word “comfort”.
“The word comfort is from two Latin words meaning “with” and “strong” – He (the Spirit of God) is with us to make us strong. Comfort is not soft, weakening commiseration; it is true, strengthening love.”
I thought about this and the more I thought on it, the more I loved it. What is it about comfort, that comforts? When my mom would comfort me as a child, what about it helped? It was the simple knowledge that I was NOT alone in my sorrow. She was with me. She would help me. How much more today as a child of God does the knowledge that His strengthening Presence is with me to help me, bring me comfort, and console me in my sorrow. His strengthening love surrounds me reminding me as my mom did, that He is with me. He will help me. Underneath the “comfort” is His unfailing, steadfast, never stopping, always with me love.
Beloved…This is how God comforts and sustains us in and through all our trials and troubles. We, as His children, are to do the same for one another.
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ—Romans 15:5-6
27 The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;—Deuteronomy 33:27
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.—Psalm 23:4
19 Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?
20 You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
Shall revive me again,
And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 You shall increase my greatness,
And comfort me on every side.—Psalm 71:19-21
