God has a lot of names. Yahweh, I AM, God Almighty, the Good Shepherd, LORD, the Creator, the Father, King of Kings… In today’s verse Paul adds “Father of mercies” and “God of all comfort” to the list. I’m noticing that it’s not God of some comfort or God of a little comfort, but God of ALL comfort. There is no comfort that God is not part of. (Just like there is no love that God is not part of because God IS love.) There is no way for me to comfort (or love) anyone apart from me knowing God and receiving comfort (or love) from Him. That’s a bold statement! But if I believe that God is the God of ALL comfort, then it must be true. So, to comfort anyone in my life, to have any comfort to give, I have to receive comfort from God first. The part about this that makes me cringe is that for God to give me comfort, I need to suffer. Eek. Why would God give me comfort if I were already perfectly comfortable and fulfilled and content with everything in my life? The sad truth is that in this fallen world, suffering is plentiful and certain. God doesn’t have to do anything to foist suffering on His children; we bring it on ourselves and each other constantly. But He doesn’t always stop pain from happening either. Today’s verse answers the “why” of that. Why does a loving God allow me to suffer?! (Such a common and familiar question.) The answer: so that He can give me comfort. And so that in turn, I have comfort to share with others who maybe don’t know Him yet.
Dear God of All Comfort,
I am so grateful for your love and comfort. I sorely need it. Remind me of the purpose of my suffering and your comfort however. Teach me how to give the comfort away to those in my life who need it. And show me how to reveal you as the source of the comfort I have. Forgive me for being selfish and stingy with my comfort. It is meant for sharing. Thank you for your generosity with me!
CamDevo 