Our God of All Comfort

Our God of All Comfort!
“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 (2Cor. 1:3-4). The dictionary defines comfort as, “a state of physical ease and freedom from pain, grief or distress.” The Bible tells us, when comfort is needed, the solution is the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He is called paraklētos in Greek, which means “advocate; helper; intercessor; comforter, who stands at one’s side; and comes to one’s aid.” As believers we need not rely on outward remedies to ease our troubled hearts and minds, because our help is available from the ultimate Comforter.
Even before the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell within us. Scripture identified God as the one who comforts His people (Isa. 49:13). The Lord himself provides consolation and reassurance for us because no one knows our deepest hurts and pains the way He does. The Lord stays by our side through our trials and grief, allowing them to last only long enough to accomplish His perfect will. I love this anonymous quote: “When we have gone into the furnace of affliction, God’s hand is on the thermostat and His eye is on the clock.” Friends, God will never leave or forsakes us!
Those who don’t know the true source of comfort try to escape life’s pains, through pleasures, hobbies, drugs or alcohol. But only God can offer lasting relief from life’s pains and heartaches. When you face difficulties, remember God’s Holy Spirit is always at your disposal. While we suffer, God comforts! As we heal, God uses us to comfort others who need a listening ear, an encouraging word, wise counsel or simply a hug. Praise be to God, our God of all Comfort!
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg+

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