Comfort in a Time of Need

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. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

     I've spent the weekend preparing to officiate a funeral. This is never a fun task, as you've got to face grief and affliction head on. No part of the process is fun. Trying to honor the life of a mother, daughter, friend, and family member in a way that brings peace and comfort to those who are left mourning is no easy task. I've found, though, that when I accept that I cannot provide comfort the way the Lord does, things go much better.

     Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that He came to give life, and to give it abundantly. While preparing to officiate a funeral I try to highlight the abundant life that was lived. A life that is lived for more than self, one that is lived to honor and glorify the Lord is truly an abundant life. Where, then, is the comfort in such hard times?

     Reading the words of Paul to the church in Corinth, we see the abundance of our sufferings is commencement with the abundance of our comfort. This means that when we are in need of comfort we must turn to the God of Comfort. We may find some comfort from the words spoken at a funeral, but any true, lasting comfort is going to come from God.

     He is the God of Comfort because in Him there is hope. We can be comforted by God because we know that He has a plan. He knows what He is doing, even when we do not. In the midst of our hardships God is working out comfort and peace for us. This life on earth is temporary, but in Christ Jesus we have an eternal life and an eternal hope. Things in this world are going to end - that's just the way it is. Jobs will come to an end. Friendships will come to an end. This world and everything in in was designed with a beginning and an end. But there is hope beyond the end of this world because Jesus made a way for all who trust in Him to live with Him forever. As long as there is hope, there is comfort. Let's hold on to that.

Pray

For comfort in our grieving.

For peace in our trials.

That you’ll see your loved ones again in heaven.

Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezowVsEa9ac