God of Comfort by David Jeremiah

Wednesday, January 18

God of 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. 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4a 

Recommended Reading Isaiah 51:12

Most people know the story of the little boy who was frightened by a thunderstorm in the middle of the night. He called out to his mother who reminded him that Jesus was with him. “I know Jesus is with me,” the child said, “but I need Jesus with skin on.”

We might say the same thing to the apostle Paul who tells us about the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation”—even though we can’t see Him and even though He doesn’t shield us from pain. What does it mean to be comforted by God? It obviously doesn’t mean we will be spared any discomfort, unpleasantness, or injury. The apostle who wrote of God’s comfort suffered greatly for that same God (2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 11:16-29). And think of Jesus Himself. God’s comfort comes from knowing that He is with us in the midst of our trouble. It comes from knowing that our trouble is not by chance—that God has a purpose in all things (Romans 8:28-29).

If you are in trouble today, center your hope on the God of all comfort who will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5).

Talk with us, Lord, Thyself reveal, while here o’er earth we rove; speak to our hearts, and let us feel the kindling of Thy love. 
Charles Wesley