“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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
If anyone in Scripture needed comforting, it was Job, but his so-called friends only made Job more miserable. In Job 16:2, he said “I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you!” Fortunately, Job’s friends and family eventually learned, and in Job 42:11, “All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him.” Friends do fail us, but God never does!
Enjoy what David said in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Isn’t that interesting, that the Shepherd’s tools – the rod and staff, used for guidance and discipline, bring comfort?! Discipline brings boundaries into our lives, and especially when God, our Good Shepherd is doing it – it’s always for our own good, and always increases the order and stability in our lives. Psalm 119:76 says, “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” How comforting is it to realize that God’s love never, ever fails?!
Reflection: Have you been in situations where you needed comfort? Have you experienced God’s guidance to bring this comfort?