Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
We all have our comforts. I love soft things and warm things. Curling up in a fleece throw with a cuppa warms my body…and my soul. And right now, we could all use some comfort.
But, the cup of hot tea or coffee soon disappears or grows cold. The throw needs washing. Neither is lasting.
Paul talks of another comfort. God is comfort. He never promised His children would be comfortable, but that He would provide comfort. Jesus warned his disciples (and us) that in this world there would be trouble. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 And wow. Is there ever trouble in the world!
Jesus tells us that even in the midst of trouble we can have peace. We can take heart. He’s got this. He not only knows what is happening but He knows what tomorrow will bring and is already preparing our hearts for it if we let Him. We can find comfort in that fact.
Paul agrees, but he doesn’t stop there. He tells the Corinthian Church, and us, to take that comfort and go comfort others. In this time of isolation, you’d think this modern “me society” would retreat even further into the world of “I”. But more and more we hear stories of people stepping out to help others, to be considerate and keep a safe distance from others, and to wear protective gear. To check on elderly neighbors, and to thank those who have essential jobs and risk exposure. We are discovering creative ways to connect without touching. People are rediscovering that we need each other, and more than that, we need God.
Each day, as we become more and more isolated, let us not forget to receive comfort from God and then pass it on to others. Perhaps they will pass it on to another person and that person will feel encouraged to do the same. Soon, instead of anxiety and fear, there will be a blanket of peace cloaking our neighborhoods. A warmed cup of camaraderie to ooze the souls in our cities.
A comforting thought, isn’t it?
Where Did You Find God Today? 
What a timely post this morning,Julie. And our neighborhood, even though there is a family isolated among us ill with this virus…is practicing that reaching out and passing our Lord’s comfort on to others. One of the men in our small community is putting in place a spot we can all contribute to in order to help others who don’t have the means food, clothes, transportation…whatever their need is. And I’m blown away with those who’ve signed up to help. Perhaps that’s why God stopped us in our overwhelmed, busy world…to get our attention to the most important things in life…to get our attention and show us our desperate need for His comfort for ourselves. I hope we’re all putting this time to His use and thanking Him for it. ❤
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Indeed, it looks as if we have more time in our hands. Hope and pray you are safe and all is well with you in His name. Amen
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