Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NASB)
They came long distances to see Him, to be healed by Him. Most likely the journey, whether on foot or by animal, heightened their pain. People with a multitude of diseases gathered while friends and family assisted. Before Jesus stood lepers, the blind, the deaf, the paralyzed, the demon-possessed, those having seizures. Some even hoped He would raise their dead loved ones (Matthew 4:24). One thing the afflicted all longed for—comfort.
It tends to elude us, this feeling of comfort. If we acquire it, the experience seems brief due to life’s guaranteed issues. If we become too comfortable, we take it for granted and forget its peace and rest. No matter what, humans crave comfort because of life’s afflictions.
Affliction—anything causing pain and suffering.
When we encounter persistent trials, the heaviness of hardship bears down on us casting gloomy shadows. Those proverbial dark clouds hover. There seems to be no light at the end of that fictitious tunnel. Despair surges. Distress disturbs sleep. Hopelessness seizes the day. WHERE DOES HELP COME FROM?
Stop.
Don’t give in to fear. Throw worry to the wind cause I’ve got good news for you.
The God of all comfort yearns to soothe your breaking heart. He longs to unleash your shackles. Jesus has been anointed to address your afflictions. He offers the power of His Holy Spirit to give you peace.
Yeah, right. He could never fix my problems. And anyway, what did He do for those weary sick travelers?
Scripture says, “…..and He healed them.” (Matthew 4:24)
God’s Word continues with more proof, saying, “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” (Matthew 11:5)
Are you experiencing troubles? Do you need God’s strength? Sit still and breathe in His power. Be filled and know He is God. Believe He is in your midst—that dark cloud doesn’t keep Him away. Because the clouds are the dust of His feet (Nahum 1:3). He is near you.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NASB)
This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me. Psalm 119:50 (NASB)
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