“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, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4
The word “comfort” is described as a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint, or the easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress.
We use it to describe so many things today. During this past year we often heard people speak of the comfort food that they craved. We use it to describe the temperature in our homes as comfortable. We even use it to describe the warm covering on our bed on a cold winter’s night. We might use it to describe anything that makes us feel good.
Before Jesus left this earth, He talked to His disciples and told them that even though He was leaving, He would send them a Comforter. We know He was speaking of the Holy Spirit. It would not just be something to make them feel good or ease their feeling of grief at His leaving. In Acts 1:8, he told them it would give them power to witness to others.
Filled with His Spirit, the disciples were able to go forth and proclaim the message of salvation to their city, and to their world. They were given power to heal the sick and meet the needs of the people they encountered. They were to be a source of comfort to the distressed.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives and guide us in our daily walk with God, we know the comfort that He gives, no matter what circumstances we face. Like the comforter on our bed gives warmth to our natural bodies, so the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with warmth and love. The God of all comfort is always there for us. We are not meant to keep the blessings to ourselves but let His Spirit guide us to others who need comfort.
Prayer: Jesus, we thank you for your Holy Spirit that lives in our hearts and provides us with the comfort we need every day. Help us to be your hand extended, offering comfort to those who need it. Help us to make somebody’s day beautiful.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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