Daily Devotional for Tuesday, September 1

The Purpose of Consolation and 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. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ,” 2 Corinthians 1:4, 5.
Have you ever heard or said yourself, “I understand what you are going through, I have been there myself.” Even after hearing it, the recipient of those words still might think you have no idea how he feels or what he is going through. A lot of times, when a person is needing comfort, all he needs is a reminder that God is still there and will help him through.
Notice Paul’s focus of where the comfort comes. It comes from God. If there was anyone who could express God’s comfort, it was Paul. Paul’s focus when going through great persecution was on the Lord and on others. Where is your focus?
Comforting others will help you to focus on the Lord and others. There are many ways to comfort people. Yet, as a child of God, you should be sharing the comfort God has given you during your times of affliction. This world offers a passing peace, but God offers a lasting peace.
It is true that sometimes you may be at a loss for words to say to someone and just being there provides comfort. Always be ready and willing though to share the comfort God has given to you in your times of tribulation and heartache. Has He stilled your restless mind or calmed your anxious heart?

Something to Think About
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7).

Karry Irizarry