Same Comforter
My daughter has Irish twins, that is, she gave birth to two babies less than a year apart; her’s are eleven months apart. They are such a blessing to her family and the grandparents. Of course, many times, the “twins” both need to be comforted at the same time but for different reasons; one has a skinned knee, and the other is sleepy. They have different needs, but they need the same comforter.
As followers of Jesus, we too have different needs at the same time and the same needs at different times, but we all need the same comforter. In Isaiah 51:12, the LORD tells us, “I, even I, am he who comforts you….” Jesus gives us further guidance in John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
As Christians, I don’t think it’s possible to read the Bible and not know that God loves us, provides for us, heals us, comforts us, and has prepared an eternal home for us. These are all accessible to us if we enter the kingdom of God through faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
A world of problems
If there were no problems, no hurts, and no pains, there would be no need for comfort, but that’s not the world in which we live. The singer, songwriter, and pastor Andrae Crouch said it this way, “If I never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that God could solve them. I wouldn’t know what faith in God’s Word could do.” I agree with him.
We live in a harsh world but be full of courage and stand firm, for it is the one true God who comforts, defends, and provides for us when we, by the faith God has given us, appropriate God’s promises in His word.
A bit of caution
I do want to provide a few words of caution that we find in the Bible. The first one is found in Mark 11:24-25, where Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” and in James 4:3 (NLT) where we find: “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” So, if we want God’s comfort, then we must behave like God’s children.
Give comfort
I want to challenge you to not only seek comfort but also to give comfort. I’m sure that many of us fear providing comfort to others, to strangers. However, there’s no reason to worry if these opportunities come from the same God that comforts you. In fact, I have a place for you to start.
When you are at a fast-food drive-thru window, bless the person working there. You’ve got 10, 15 seconds max. Don’t start a conversation, for there’s not enough time for that. Don’t attack them for unsatisfactory service. If it’s true, tell them you like their uniform or thank them for their help. If this fast-food stop is part of your routine, you’ll see them regularly. Let them know you recognize them, learn their name, and say their name when they are helping you. Let them know you appreciate them. Comfort goes both ways.
Prayer
Father, I ask for Your peace. Please save me from foolishness. I know giving comfort is often a challenge. Dear God, my spirit has been made alive through Christ’s work on the cross. Therefore, I will seek out Your promises and hold fast to them. I will remind myself that You said, “I, even I, am he who comforts you…” Thank You for Your comfort and strength so that I have Your peace. In the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, I pray. Amen
Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash
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