The God Of All Comfort

When the struggles and heartaches of life come to us, how grateful we are that we serve the one true and living God. It is our faith in God that sustains us, especially when the tumults and troubles of life hit us with a ferocious force. As the apostle Paul exclaimed, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (II Corinthians 1:3).

There is within most of us at least a certain degree of questioning and even doubts when tragedies come to good people. Tragedies never seem fair. The cry that is often heard is, “Why did God allow this to happen?” Or regret may be expressed in statements that begin with the phrase, “If only I had . . .” Questions may linger deep within the soul for many, many years.

But the reality is that questions relating to heartaches and hurts are seldom satisfactorily answered. In fact, an emphasis on such matters can do us much harm. Instead we need to place our focus on that which is sure and certain. This is where we can gain strength that will enable us to successfully function, even when unanswered questions and troubles invade our lives.

In all of life, we can have absolute confidence in the reality and existence of God. It is He who created and sustains this world. The beautiful emphasis of our text is that God is “the God of all comfort.” Indeed, it is from God that all comforts flow. When we hurt, God is aware and concerned. As His faithful children, we have the confidence that He cares. As the apostle Peter reminded suffering Christians, “Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). The Psalmist David stressed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

“The God of all comfort” is greater than any heartache or stress we may experience in this life. We can depend on His “exceedingly great and precious promises” (II Peter 1:3). While difficulties will sometimes come to us in life, we can persevere with the Lord’s help. As the apostle John assures us, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (I John 5:4).

Even when it seems that our world has been broken and shattered, the one true and living God remains steadfast. His love for us remains (I John 3:1). Our hope in Him remains anchored (Hebrews 6:19). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5 & 6).

There may be times in our lives when we wonder if the tears will ever stop flowing and if our hearts will ever quit hurting. But while questions and doubts may linger, the promises of the God of all comfort remain true. May we seek to put our faith in Him, as we are urged in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”