The God Of All Comfort

Friends, there  is no possible  use to try  and deny  that  there are  difficulties  and  opposing influences in many places, and of all sorts. They are there. Hardly, do we find such that  will or can  minister comfort  and bring  encouragement to the sinking heart and life situated in great despair. However, some speak as though they want us to think that there are no real problems. Which is sound evidence of their profound ignorance of the stern realities of life.  They might as well tell us that we ought not to have a head on our shoulders or a heart in our bosom. But, let’s go to the Bible and consider Moses of old and how he would help the people.

            We ask, how did Moses seek to encourage the hearts of his brethren? “Thou shalt not be affrighted…” he said. (Deut.7:21). Why would he make such a statement? Were there no enemies, no difficulties, no dangers? No, that was not the case; rather he assured them that “the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.” (Deut.7:21). Here is the true comfort and encouragement. The enemies were there, but God is the sure resource for them, and for us today! Notice this passage. “O our God, wilt Thou not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us, neither know we what to do; but our eyes are upon Thee.” (2 Chor. 20:12).

            Here lies the precious truth, help, and comfort. The eye, attention, or mind is upon God. His promises, His love, and His care is now brought in, and this settles every thing! Can we not remember, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom.8:31).  “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  (Heb.13:5). To the people of his day, Peter gave them God’s  message  of comfort. “Casting  all your  care upon  Him;  for  He  careth  for you.” (1 Pet.5:7). God’s leader, Moses, met the rising fears of the people. Even though “these nations are more than I” (Deut.7:17), they are not more than the “Mighty and terrible God!”  What nation could stand before Him? What shall we think and say today of all the many troubles we are called upon to bear? Simply this: Put your eyes upon the Almighty God, and  “thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psa.23:4). Paul was inspired to write to the Corinthians: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the  Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,  that we  may be able to comfort them which are in trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (2 Cor.1:3-4).

. . . .Fred  House