One of the greatest comforts a mom can give is snuggles. We can give
snuggles when our children are sick and sad, we can give snuggles when
they are happy. The comfort that such closeness and embrace brings, is
the same comfort level our Heavenly Father longs to offer us if we
will only let Him.
Since followers of Jesus are not exempted from life difficulties, our
loving God offers to stay with us, hold our hands, and even cuddle us
up like a long lost sheep when we are weary, confused, feeling lost,
or in grief. Like the father in the famous bible story of the Prodigal
Son, our Heavenly Father, will welcome us back running, if only we
will come back to Him.
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long
way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced
him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned
against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your
son.” Luke 15:20-21
In his second letter to the Corinthian Church, St. Paul the Apostle
praised God for being our greatest comforter. He provides strength,
stability, security, and help during life’s challenges.
“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
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any
trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by
God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
So how do we receive this comfort? We receive God’s comfort when we
have a personal relationship with Him. When He is first in our life.
When we seek Him in prayer we feel His presence in the stillness and
quietness of our thoughts. When we read and reflect on His words, we
get assured by His loving promises.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is
easy and my burden is light.” Mathew 11:28-30
Moreover, Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit, whom He Himself described as
the “comforter.” When we surrender our lives to Jesus, repent and step
away from our sins, and grow our faith, we receive the Holy Spirit in
us, and will be at work in us. How? Instead of hearing the enemy’s
discouragement that we can never change, that our lives are
permanently damaged by sin, and that we can never be better persons
who are unashamed, we will remember God’s plans and assurances for us
through the Holy Spirit at work, and His words.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send
in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26
God also uses other people who provide us comfort. Godly people who
have emerged victorious from the difficulties we are currently facing,
can offer tremendous support through the leading of the Holy Spirit in
them. However, sometimes because of pride or shame, we dare not open
up our problems to others who could give valuable godly advice to us,
lend us an ear, and provide comfort the way God directs them.
Unfortunately, at times, we succumb to the enemy’s comfort since it is
easier, and will allow us to keep up appearances and stature to
others. The comfort of the enemy can be in the form of ranting and
speaking evil against the one who caused us trouble. The comfort of
escape through addictions in substances, unbudgeted shopping sprees,
doom-scrolling, binge-eating, and immoral sources of pleasure. And
while the aforementioned escapes may make us feel better, the feeling
is fleeting, and will instantaneously be replaced by feelings of
guilt, shame, and regret.
But when we reach out to the Lord for comfort, through prayer,
bible-reading, worship, and fellowship with other believers, the
impact on us and our hearts are life-long. It does not only console us
for the current trouble we are facing. The comfort that we have
received throughout life can be an inspiration for us to press on amid
hurts and challenges. And as we continue to live our lives and face
inevitable problems we can draw strength from these times of
consolation and deliverance as they will be concrete proof of God’s
love and God’s work in our lives.
“If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are
comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient
endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.” 2 Corinthians 1:6
Moreover, such testimony of our faith can also serve to strengthen
others. In the same passage we quoted earlier, St. Paul underscored
that we are being given comfort so “that we may be able to comfort
those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves
are comforted by God.” This means that apart from us receiving God’s
consolation, we can also realize the purpose in our pain.
And so when we see someone hurting from something we have survived
through God’s grace, we are to offer encouragement, Godly counsel, and
a lot of understanding, mercy, and love.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and
good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the
Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 and Luke 15:11-32 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Did you ever try to seek God’s comfort? In what
way did you receive it?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being the
God of all comforts. I am thankful for the many ways you provide us
with your consolation which brought peace to my soul. Please give me
the grace to offer Your comfort to those who are also undergoing the
same tribulations. Amen.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
