.png)
CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Who or what is your go-to when you need a bit of comfort? Of course, there are family and friends, but occasionally we need comfort even before speaking to others.
I have felt that way at times. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:82: “My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled. I say, ‘When will you comfort me?’” In II Corinthians 1:4, Paul talks of our affliction: A situation or something that presses us or makes us feel cramped in a confined space. A burden, misfortune or anguish more than we can bear.
At such times, what do we need? Reassurance, encouragement or consolation for our crushed hearts? Help to find a different perspective or a safe place to vent? We might feel like “I need to talk with someone who cares …” II Corinthians 1:3-7 helps us understand the comfort God provides, and the reason He provides it, with the purpose phrase “so that.”
When we identify comfort that only God provides, then that is the comfort we pass along. Not our similar incident, but something God provided us, something we confidently know He will provide for others.
According to the third verse, God Himself provides our comfort, because He is the father and originator of any comfort, beginning with His mercies. His comfort is thorough, consoling and encouraging.
His compassion is more than mere sympathy, and beyond human empathy.
His love and mercies are rich, ready to provide refreshment for our souls.
Think back: His comfort may have been a hug from a retail clerk who responded to your needs one day. It may have been that random phone call from someone who didn’t know you needed one.
It is uniquely connected to a need that no one knew about, yet God our Father knew.
So, whatever reassurance or confidence that comes and encourages you at just the right time, this demonstrates God’s comfort for you.
Remember, God is our comfort and He knows just how to communicate that. Read from Psalms, for you will discover most thoughts or feelings you have there.
You are not alone. You are not isolated. God knows your name and where you live.
He’s there for you today. Until next week, Anita Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
