God of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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.  

This verse holds a special place in my heart because it is the theme for Brock’s Story. Years ago God asked me to share his story and the incredible way that God compassionately and lovingly took care of our family. It was time for me to share the comfort I had recevied with others who would desperately need the same thing.

There is an immediate connection when you tell someone that you understand what they are going through because you have been there. It opens the doors of heartache to let the possibility of healing begin.

Jesus had comforted Mary when her brother Lazarus had died. She understood how it felt to be crushed and hurting. She also understood how it felt to have Jesus weep with her and heal her broken heart.

Just before Jesus went to the cross he was again visiting Bethany when Mary took out a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, and poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. Mary’s application of the oil was a humble act of worship and wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair was an act of servanthood and submission.

Jesus told those who objected, to leave her alone.  Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” In her own way Mary was giving to Jesus the same comfort she had received from Him.

Only weeks before her brother’s body had been prepared for burial and now she was honoring Jesus by giving her best and all to Him. I wonder if, while she was anointing His feet, she was replaying His words in her mind about being the Resurrection and the Life.

Although others could not understand her devotion and sacrifice for Jesus, she didn’t stop. She served out of a heart that had experienced the amazing love and compassion that Our Lord gives the hurting.

That love and compassion is meant to be paid forward. In sharing it with others, it continues to do it’s mighty work in our own hearts and lives. Each time we comfort others with the comfort we have received, we are reminded of the love that God so willingly lavished on us.

Be Intentional about sharing the comfort you have received from God.

Praises & Prayers

Father, I can’t thank you enough for the love and comfort that You have given to me and my family. Our hearts have been healed and our joy restored because of the Hope that You give. I pray that we will always look for opportunities to do the same for others. Help us to lead them to You, the One who can heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.