The God of all Comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"
2 Corinthians 1:3

Volume 3 of 18

Comfort from
Knowing
And Doing
God’s Will

"Teach me
to do your will,
for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me
on level ground."
Psalm 143:10

Perhaps in all that we are asked to do, there is nothing more unsettling, nothing more discomforting than to be given an assignment without being given any clear instructions as to how to go about completing it. "Just Do It" may be fine as a slogan for athletic shoes, but it does not work so well as a philosophy of life. Do what? How are we to do it? There are just too many questions that attend such an ill-defined philosophy, however well intentioned.

We crave clarity. We like clearly defined routes to follow. We like simple and clear recipes and pictures are always an added bonus.

Comfort comes from knowing what to do and how we are to go about doing it. Operating in an information vacuum is never pleasant.

Isn’t it amazing that God has provided us with information so that we can know His will for our life. Every human has available to them God’s operating manual for a wise, successful, and happy life. All that God requires of us are two things: 1) read His word, the Bible, in order to know His will, and 2) do as instructed.

Knowing and doing are both requirements if we are to receive any comfort from the Lord. One without the other will not do. Without both, frustration will surely be the only result.

What do observe in our own life and in the lives of others who fail to faithfully follow God’s instructions? Those that refuse to read to learn of God’s will for them are in a constant state of darkness, wandering blindly as they try to seek the "good life." Those who, to some degree, have read some of God’s word, but fail to put it into actual practice also find themselves marked with frustration, disappointment, and constant discomfort.

If we are sincere in our desire to walk upon level ground, surely we will seek to know God’s word and knowing, do all we can to faithfully live God’s will in our daily life. That is where true comfort may be found.

Daily meditations:

Day 1 – Reflect upon the Bible as a gift from God
Day 2 – Read and reflect on the words of Psalm 1: 1 – 3
Day 3 – Read and reflect on the words of Psalm 119: 97 – 104
Day 4 – Read and reflect on Matthew 5, 6, & 7; the Sermon on the Mount
Day 5 – Develop a systematic plan for daily Scripture reading
Day 6 – Develop a plan to daily put God’s word into action
Day 7 – Reflect upon how the Bible brings comfort and clarity to your life.

The God of all Comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"

2 Corinthians 1:3

Volume 2 of 18

Comfort for
God’s Children

"As a mother comforts
her child,
so will I comfort you."
Isaiah 66:13

To be a child of God is a great privilege that should never be taken lightly or ignored to the point of neglect.

While everyone, in a sense, is a child of God by virtue of having been created by Him, certainly the Bible speaks of another, more intimate use of the phrase, "a child of God." In this sense, to be God’s child means to have been adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1: 5). While adopted, we have received the full rights of sonship (Romans 8: 15–17).

The pathway to adoption is to be found only through Christ (John 14: 6). That pathway requires a new birth (John 3: 5–7). As we come up, out of the baptismal water, having clothed ourselves with Christ (Galatians 3: 27), we are added by the Lord to His church; His family (Acts 2: 41). We now enter into a very special relationship with God, one whereby we are now allowed to address God as "Abba" Father.

God, as Father, is drawn upon heavily in Scripture to define our relationship with the Lord. As our Father, He comforts us by providing strong and wise leadership. But the Bible also presents another side of God, the feminine side as, Mother. Our Scripture text today from Isaiah attests to this.

As our earthly Mothers comfort us, so too with God. Loving, caring, compassionate, forgiving, all these traits shown by our Mothers, God also demonstrates towards us as His children.

The scrapped knee, the broken heart, the sense of helplessness, all our insecurities, like a loving Mother, God listens and cares deeply about them all.

As we open our hearts to God in prayer, pouring forth our deepest feelings, hurts, and concerns, He listens, non-judgmentally to every word. When we confess our faults, He, with open arms is ready to forgive (1 John 1: 9). And when we need encouragement, God is always there, cheering us on.

Just like a Mother.

Daily meditations:

Day 1 – Reflect upon what it means to you to be a part of God’s family.
Day 2 – Reflect on the many ways your Mother comforted you.
Day 3 – Reflect on the idea of God as Mother.
Day 4 – Read Luke 13: 34 and reflect upon Jesus’ compassion.
Day 5 – Reflect upon God’s willingness to listen to our concerns.
Day 6 – Reflect why we may be reluctant to be open with God.
Day 7 – Reflect on the Lord’s willingness to forgive.

The God of all Comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"
2 Corinthians 1:3

Volume 1 of 18

The God
Who
Comforts

"I, even I,
am He
who comforts you."
Isaiah 51:12

If you search a map of the United States, you will find places with names like; Comfort, TX (pop. 1477), Rocky Comfort, MO (pop. 759), Comfort, WV(pop. ?), and Point Comfort TX (pop.956).

Do you really suppose that comfort can be found in a place, or that these 3200 + people are the only ones living in comfort?

Research Psychologist, Abraham Maslow developed a theory to explain the hierarchy of human needs. The lack of fulfillment in any of these needs causes our discomfort.

These needs, in ascending order include; Physiological Needs – food, water sleep, breathing, and other bodily needs. Next are Safety Needs – clothing, shelter, health, and employment to satisfy our need for financial safety. Belonging Needs come next - friendship, love, family, and intimacy.

Fourth, is our Need of Esteem from Others – worth, acceptance, respect, and confidence. Finally, we come to Self-Actualization Needs – self-worth, moral and ethical values, spirituality.

As humans, we are ever seeking to fill these basic needs. We search everywhere. Mostly, we search in all the wrong places. And the result of not fining fulfillment we need is frustration and discomfort.

But comfort does not come from a place, or from some arbitrary "Happy Hour." Comfort, real and lasting comfort, comes only from God.

The God who created us, knows our needs and has supplied all that we need to find fulfillment, happiness, and comfort. The air we breath, the food we eat, and the water we drink, all come from God. It was God who said it is not good that we live alone, in isolation, and thus He created us male and female for companionship and comfort. God created families for our support and nurturing.

Everything we need, God has provided. God is He who comforts us in our times of need. Seek God.

Daily meditations:

Day 1 – How has God provided for my Physiological Needs?
Day 2 – How has God provided for my Safety Needs?
Day 3 – How has God supplied my need for Belonging?
Day 4 – How does God provide my need for Esteem?
Day 5 – How has God provided for my Self-Actualization Needs?
Day 6 – Reflect upon the peace of mind that comes from God’s comfort.
Day 7 – Reflect upon the "good and perfect gifts" that come from God.