Comfort: Part 2

Okay, so we as humans require comfort for many reasons, discussed in Part 1. But where should we turn? Why should I pray to God for comfort?

The apostle Paul explains his view in his second letter to the Corinthian church, as he describes his own need for comfort. He was being persecuted, attacked, threatened, and feared even death.

"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. For, just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." ~2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Paul refers to God as "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." Wow! This is pretty bold. If indeed God is the ultimate in offering compassion and the Lord over all comfort, I want to ask him for these things. I want them for myself. I want them for those that I love. I want to receive this comfort so that I can share it with others, just as Paul describes his own experience.

If you are seeking this comfort as well, for yourself or others, here are a few more promises from God to encourage you:

"Even though I walk
 through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
 your rod and your staff,
they comfort me." ~Psalm 23:4

"My comfort in my suffering is this:
 Your promise preserves my life." ~Psalm 119:50

"Shout for joy, you heavens;
 rejoice, you earth;
 burst into song, you mountains! 
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." ~Isaiah 49:13

"The Lord will surely comfort Zion
 and will look with compassion on all her ruins;
 he will make her deserts like Eden,
 her wastelands like the garden of the Lord.
 Joy and gladness will be found in her,
 thanksgiving and the sound of singing." ~Isaiah 51: 3