The 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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

There is no heartache, no despair, no darkness, no pain, no evil, no desperation, that cannot be lovingly touched by the God of all comfort. Your tribulations are severe. Your path is hard. Your conditions are bleak. Your outlook is dim. But the God of all comfort - the God who Himself has suffered indescribably at the hands of men - will aid you, encourage you, strengthen you, and guide you.

Because Christ has experienced the ridicule and rejection of men and now stands as your great High Priest, the throne of grace beckons every believer. In the heat of the night - the Light of Life is with you. In the midst of the storm - the Prince of Peace is your steadfast Guide. In the bottom of the pit - the Chief Cornerstone is your Rock.

If you hurt, let the healing love of Jesus Christ sustain you. He longs to comfort and encourage you with His presence, His promises, His people, and His power. The God of all comfort will not let you go over the edge or sink beneath the mire will come instantly to your aid as you call on His name. One day He will use you to personally carry His comfort to the ailing heart of another - transforming your trouble into His healing balm.

“I, even I, am He who comforts you...” Isaiah 51:12