Our Comforter

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; John 16:33; Romans 5:6-11

As I write this, I am cozied up sitting on my sister’s couch with her sweet goldendoodle. The Martin house is one of the places that feels most like home for me and when Ellianne asks me to dog-sit for a long weekend, it feels more like a favor for me than it is for her. In this moment, I am about as comfortable as can be.

I love to rest in little happy moments like this, but I know the comfort in this moment is temporary. I know that nothing compares to the joy and hope that the God of all comfort provides for me, in moments like this and in the hard moments. Just like you, I have experienced suffering and affliction that seems to flip the world upside down.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.”

2 Corinthians 1:3

Where do we turn for comfort? We have many things that can provide temporary comfort, and it often feels easier to run to the quick-fix than to run to God. He is the God of all comfort, and yet distraction in the hard times is tempting. It is sweet to find happy moments enjoying good food, coffee and other things we may enjoy, but they can never bring us the same peace and joy as Christ Jesus. When we seek comfort in the temporary things during our times of need, we will find emptiness. When we seek Jesus first, we will find comfort that does not ebb and flow along with our circumstances.

We have experienced affliction, and we know that it will come again (Jn 16:33). We can’t distract ourselves or run from it hard enough to change that, so what truth do we hold on to?

“Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

John 16:33

Thanks be to the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who has conquered the world. You and I need this reminder all day, every day. He loves us so much that He died for us to rescue and redeem the world while we were still sinners (Rm 5:8), and there is no greater or more sure hope. As we share in sufferings and trials, together as His we can find comfort in Christ Jesus (2 Co 1:7). He meets us right where we are at (wherever that may be), and brings us into life and truth.

When seeking the comfort of Christ Jesus before all else —

• Open the Word. God has so much life and truth He wants to speak into your heart.

• Spend time in prayer. Be real and raw with God — He already knows your whole heart even more than you do.

• Open up to people who you trust and who will lead you to Jesus. Ask them to pray with you, seek their wise counsel and encouragement. Don’t walk alone!

• Thank God for all of the little things you get to enjoy in the midst of any season. All good gifts are from Him, even the little things!

Xoxo,

Andee Lee