II Corinthians 1: 3–4

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.

What is comfort??

I know a lot about feeling comfortable. Chenille both robes, silky slippers, fluffy soft pillows, faux fur blankets, a mouth full of cheesy Chick Fil A macaroni., a warm sip of a vanilla latte…

Bruh!!!!…….not that meaning of COMFORT! Comfort means to come along beside someone to offer encouragement, through words or actions. This version of comfort originates from our Father, Jesus Christ, in the form of the Holy Spirit. As He comforts us, we are then equipped to offer the same comfort to the broken hearted. Haven’t we all needed some level of comforting when we’re suffering?? How does God use the Holy Spirit to comfort us … through His word and His people!! .

This verse speaks to two different types of people-”the comforted”, who feel peace as Jesus stands beside them in their storm , and the “need to be comforted” – broken hearted who desperately need comfort. To the comforted, the purpose of their tribulations and hard times has been revealed. This scripture says that God comforts us in our trials and storms so that we are prepared to comfort those who experience loneliness, depression, and heartache in their life. We’re able to give them comfort, that only comes from God. I love the way these two verses echo the word “comfort” five times. I think Paul does such a great job of making sure we don’t have any distractions when we read this verse. It’s a good verse to put to memory, not only so we can be comforted, but to remind us that God requires us to comfort those who are suffering.

When I was 20, my sister dealt with suicide ideation and severe depression. I remember planning my wedding day and hearing the question, “Mary, is it okay if I’m not in your wedding?” From then on I would wake up every morning, wondering would she be alive. I needed comfort to make it through each day. But, more than anything, I wanted to comfort her hurting heart. I found comfort in His word, praying His word, and listening to only worship music. I cried my heart out. Then my mom also became a victim of depression. It was hard dealing with this heavy heartache and the feelling that God had abandoned us. Somedays, I didn’t seek His encouragement through prayer, and I lost my trust in Him. I wanted God to hurry up and heal them. Please God restore my family, especially while I was counting down the days to my wedding. Meanwhile, He was working out his masterful plan; He was using me to comfort and encourage my sister and my mom until the doctors knew how to treat their illness. During the entire time of taking care of my mom and sister, the numerous mental hospital visits, hopeless phone calls, anxiety, and constant setbacks, God’s comfort poured into me. It was the only way I survived this storm.

A year later, their miraculous healing brought about restoration in all of us. After this tribulation passed, I sang praises and thanked God that I had been comforted by the Comforter. He took care of us all in His complete sovereignty!!

When I discovered this verse, II Corinthians 1: 3–4, I experienced clarity and was able to hear the Holy Spirit whisper “Comfort’ to me. It was an “A -Ha” moment for sure!!! I was able to rest knowing why I had to endure that trial… to feel God’s supreme comfort, mercy, and love. God comforted me over and over and continues to do it, so I am always equipped to comfort those who are suffering. Continually, God uses me to comfort women that are lonely, depressed, and hopeless. He gives me energy to befriend them and offer them the Living Water!! I give all the Glory to God for His unending supply of comfort!!!!!!! Amen!