“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.” II Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

We live in a very anxious and disturbing time! Our daughter is working from home in the “epicenter” of the Corona virus. Our son is out of his home working an “essential” job. I have family members that have the virus. And the news seems more devastating each day.

This morning in my daily Bible study I read this verse. And then I re-read it a couple of times. I’m not sure why I’m still amazed at how God always knows what I need before I do, but this was a perfect example. I desperately needed compassion and comfort and calming. God gave me the perfect guidance just when I required it most! And because this truth comforted me, I would like to share it with all of you.

Comfort is “the easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress.” Comfort comes from our God. We take our anxiety, our stress, our distress, our burdens, our messy human feelings, and all of our discomfort to Him. And God eases our minds and infuses us with His comfort because of His compassion for us. We lay it all down and take up the comfort that can only come from our God and our Savior, His Son.

God “refreshes” our souls, just like in the 23^rd Psalm. Instead of focusing our minds and energies on the issues surrounding us, let’s focus on our God of comfort! Let’s see the colors of spring, the leaves bursting forth, and the wafting clouds in a calm blue sky. Let’s thank God for His care for our family members. Let’s pray for healing and comfort for those who are sick. Let’s recognize God as the source of peace and comfort for our souls.

But this verse has a second part for all of us in this difficult time; “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.” As we have received comfort, let’s find ways to give that wonderful God-given comfort to others. As we have received compassion, let’s find ways to show God’s gift of compassion to others. As we are loved as children of God, let’s find ways to share God’s love with others.

This week let’s reach outside ourselves and our homes and find someone who needs to feel God’s comfort and peace. Let’s start with one thing, one person, and see where it takes us.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we call out to our God of compassion and comfort in these most stressful of times.

Blessings as we all continue to pray, comfort, love and help our neighbors!