People vainly seek to find their comfort through alcohol, tobacco, drugs, food, sexual immorality, and the like. People may find some legitimate comfort through sleep, a physical or mental escape, through friendships and relationships, and through precious memories. In 2 Corinthians one, Paul makes some remarkable statements about the Heavenly Father’s ability to provide comfort to the hurting.

HE IS THE GOD OF “ALL” COMFORT (1:3). There are the severest trials of life in which we would be thrilled to receive just a fraction of His comfort, a little comfort, some comfort, or much comfort. But, Paul’s statement is unqualified and unmitigated. Ephesians 1:3 says “all spiritual blessings” are “in Christ.” That means no spiritual blessings are “out of Christ.” Likewise, God gives “all” comfort, meaning that no legitimate comfort is found outside of God and His providential care.

HE IS THE GOD WHO COMFORTS US IN “ALL OUR AFFLICTIONS” (1:4). What burdens your heart? The guilt of past, forgiven sin? The loss of a loved one? Persecution for your faith? A physical malady that will not go away? A broken marital or family relationship with no seeming ray of hope? Can you say, “God will comfort me through ____________” (fill that blank in with your most severe, current trial)? Whatever “it” is, God is able to comfort.

HE IS THE GOD WHO GIVES “ABUNDANT” COMFORT “THROUGH CHRIST” (1:5). Jesus is the hero of the Bible. His life, death, burial, and resurrection spell the difference between comfort and being comfortless. The Christ of the cross is the Christ of the crisis. He has endured affliction in a human body and is an everlasting personality of the Godhead, thus He can relate to our humanity and He can supply all our needs in His divinity.

As a Sovereign God, He would not have to provide mercy, comfort, and grace. But, in line with His nature, God wants to comfort us in any affliction in which we may find ourselves. He knows, He understands, and He cares. There is no substitute for God’s comfort!

Neal Pollard