God of all 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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

As I am writing this, I am sitting in the conservatory, watching and listening to the wind and rain lashing against the windows, and my thoughts and prayers are with those who are homeless, alone, frightened, depressed and anxious and those who can't see any way out of their pain, grief and sorrow, which feels too much to bear. It's always more poignant at this time of year, as we are hurtling toward the Christmas season and all that can bring. We sometimes forget in our busyness and preparation that this time of year is very difficult for many.

Personal tragedy, loss and trauma often go unnoticed, it can be isolating and discouraging. It can be a lonely place to live, and deeply disheartening which can take us to dark places and make us feel powerless.

But in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, God reminds us that when we find ourselves in affliction, He is with us, to bring us comfort. He calls us to Himself, that we might find in Him a place of comfort and refuge.

Someone who knew God as His refuge was David. If we read the Psalms of David, we see a lot of raw emotion. We read of his desperation, his discouragement, his disappointment and frustrations.

What we also see is David's response to his anguish. He humbles himself by dropping to his knees and cries out to God. It was from his knees that he was able to better see the LORD and rejoice in the LORD's comfort.

David knew his stronghold was God. God was his refuge and strength.

Our Heavenly Father is the "God of Comfort" the "God of Compassion".

It is easy to think that our heartbreak doesn't count, because others have or are going through much worse. Whilst we should realise the ways in which we are blessed, that does not mean God sees our pain as 'minimal' compared to others. God's comfort and compassion is available, whenever we need it, we just have to ask! God's grace is not reserved for our hardest moments.

The beautiful thing is, that God offers us peace, not just to carry us through our circumstances, but so we can also comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. His power is multiplied through us. His grace overflows from our lives and spills into the lives of those around us.

God gives purpose to our hard places.

While we suffer, God comforts. As we heal, God mercifully uses our lives to bless others, who need a listening ear, wise counsel or a love filled hug!

Praise our God, for He is the God of all comfort.

God bless.