Monday, July 30, 2018                

       I’m sure many of you have heard this heartbreaking phrase concerning a loved one or a dear friend: “At this point all we can do is keep him (her) comfortable.” To many, these are dreaded words. To them, it means that all hope is gone and unfortunately to some it makes them believe that God let them down. Notwithstanding, comfort is an extremely undervalued commodity and it helps and blesses the recipient much more than most people realize.

The author of Psalms 94 wrote: “When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.” (Ps. 94:19 NLV) I bet more than a few of you can recall a time in your life when worry, anxiety, doubt or fear filled your heart. Then, all of a sudden a strange feeling of peace and assurance came over you. To put it simply, God was comforting you. After all, He is the God of all comfort. (See 2 Corinthians 1:3) 

       I had that exact experience and I will never forget it. One night several years ago, I was struggling with, fever, chills and extreme weakness and about to be transported to the hospital. I must have looked like such a pitiful sight that my wife drew near and just held me. She probably felt helpless and wished she could have done more but as sick as I felt, her embrace afforded me an indescribable comfort which, for a good moment, made me forget my misery. 

       It is such a valuable thing that God wants us to comfort others when the need arises. By His grace, we will be able to comfort others with the same comfort we have received from Him. (See 2 Cor. 1:4) Because you were there when someone needed some comfort, one day something or someone will comfort you. On that day you will be very happy and grateful for it. My wife and I have very recently been comforted by some of you. If you should happen to hear that phrase again, the one with which I started this blog, please remember that it is a good thing, not a bad one. And because it is, do you know of anyone who may need some comfort today? 

God’s promise for today: (John 14:18) “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”