The God of All Comfort

There are very few of us that have not been hit with at least one of life's tragedies. Whether the loss of something or someone we hold dear, or dealing with an event we never expected to happen, it is the kind of thing that leaves us scrambling for answers. Deep within we feel inexplicable pain and would welcome a shoulder to lean on, and if necessary, to cry on.

The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us of one of the many attributes of Christ. He writes, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities..." (4:15, KJV), and it is a great source of comfort to know that regardless of what we are going through, our Lord and Saviour can and do fully identify with our feelings. In Biblical Greek the word translated "infirmities" actually means "feebleness of body or mind", and therefore it is not just our physical infirmities that touches Him, but also the mental, emotional, and psychological things we have to deal with.

The good news is not just that He can identify with our feelings, but that He is also able to provide comfort (relief) from those stresses. Paul writes to the Corinthians, "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" (2 Cor. 1:3-4a). Note the word "all"; it means the ability to comfort is not limited to any specific set of circumstances but transcends all circumstances. Again, the word translated "tribulation" actually means, among other things, "pressure, trouble". The God of all comfort is able to comfort us in all our troubles, in all the situations that pressure our bodies and minds.

It is no wonder that we are encouraged to cast our cares / burdens upon Him; we are assured that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). I believe that caring extends to every area of our lives, and so during the times when we need Him most, He is always there with open arms of comfort. Even when it doesn't seem like it, He is there. As we face and deal with our individual circumstances, may we find peace of mind and heart in that care, and relief from life's stresses when we find ourselves in our valleys of life's experiences.