Day 27 · Week 4
Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:3–5; Psalm 147:3
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:4
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (KJV)
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation...”
Jesus promises, “they shall be comforted.” But what does God's comfort look like?
It does not always mean that the painful circumstance immediately disappears.
Paul knew suffering. Yet he called God “the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.” God's comfort gave him strength and hope in the middle of trouble.
Sometimes God comforts us through Scripture. A promise we have read many times suddenly becomes precious. Sometimes He works through another person who listens, helps, or prays with us. Sometimes He gives peace that does not remove every question but reminds us that we are not alone.
And God's comfort has a purpose beyond ourselves. Paul says God comforts us so that we can comfort others.
Someone who has walked through grief may learn how to sit quietly beside another grieving person. Someone who has experienced God's forgiveness may become especially gentle with a repentant sinner.
God does not call evil good. But He is able to meet us in a broken world and bring grace even from places of pain.
The comfort Jesus promises is ultimately the presence and faithfulness of God Himself.
What are some ways God has used people, Scripture, or prayer to comfort you?
Could something God has helped me through make me better able to encourage someone else?
Thank the Father for being the God of all comfort. Ask Him to comfort those who hurt and to use your family to encourage others.