The
God Of All Comfort
By Susan Klein
“Praise be to the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God
of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles… ”
2
Corinthians 1:3-4a (NIV)
If
given a blank canvas, how might you paint a picture of “comfort”? Perhaps your
idea of retreat involves a big bowl of pasta or some other comfort food. Or,
maybe you’d paint yourself in your favorite comfy clothes curled up under a big
blanket. For some, conversing with a trusted friend or a day at the spa brings
the best repose from one’s woes. We’d each paint our own unique picture of what
soothes our souls in trying times.
I
wonder, though, if anyone would paint God. “Well,” you might (rightly) say, “We
don’t know what He looks like!” True, yet Scripture tells us God is the Father
of compassion and the God of ALL comfort.
Usually when I read this passage above, my focus tends to fall on the last part
of verse four, which says; “…so that we can comfort those in any trouble with
the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” As I’ve re-read and meditated
on this passage, a few new insights have come to mind.
First,
we are to go to God to be comforted before turning to other people or things.
While He is the giver of good gifts such as food, friends, blankets, He desires
for us to seek solace in Him more than in His gifts. Nothing else can compare
with His perfect peace and everlasting compassion.
Secondly,
we shouldn’t be too quick to rush in and offer others comfort ahead of God. If
we do, we may be robbing them of the best comfort that only He can provide.
We’d be practicing true sisterly love if we pointed them toward God first, then
offered our chicken soup or listening ear.
Finally,
we are to offer the comfort “we ourselves have received.” God’s provision of
comfort is not solely for our benefit! We are often used by God to help another
who is going through a similar trial. For example, when I lost a baby, I
received the most comfort from other women who had lost a baby as well. Not to
say we can’t provide solace to anyone in need, but drawing from our own
experiences and the comfort God has shown us is often the most helpful.
In
being reminded of these insights, perhaps a better question is, “If given a
blank canvas, how might you portray the Great Comforter?”
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
What creature comforts might you be turning to before your heavenly Father?
2.
How might your own provision of comfort overflow into someone else’s life?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan enjoys teaching
Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She and her
husband Mark co-lead an on-site small group studying 2 Corinthians with
Oakwood's Wednesday Night Community.
