Do you need comfort today?
Maybe a relationship isn’t going well, or your job is stressful, or you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you’re just weary of life. Whatever you’re going through, God wants to comfort you.
But do you know how God comforts us? If you don’t know the ways in which God provides comfort, you might miss what He’s doing in your life. Here are a few ways God comforts you – and check out our resources below for further study and encouragement.
God comforts you with His presence
“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.”
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
The Father of compassion. The God of all comfort. That’s who comforts you. God Himself … His own presence. In the book of Isaiah, God says, “I, yes I, am the one who comforts you” (Isaiah 51:12 NLT). What a great comfort to know that God Himself is with us – in all our troubles. That means no matter what you’re facing, no matter how big or how small, the Lord is with you.
God comforts you with His Word
“This is my comfort in my affliction … Your word has given me life.”
(Psalm 119:50 NKJV)
“This is my comfort in my affliction … Your word has given me life” (Psalm 119:50 NKJV).
God’s Word is a deep well of comfort – filled with promises, stories, and reminders of His love and grace. Consider some of the following promises from God’s Word:
- “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 ESV).
- “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).
- “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying’” (John 11:25 NLT).
- “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
We live in a day where we can easily access the Word of God, so comfort is never far from us. Open up your Bible, and find comfort in God’s Word today.
God comforts you with His people
“God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”
(2 Corinthians 7:6)
Notice how Paul doesn’t say “Titus comforted us.” He says God comforted us. God brought someone. God provided the comfort. This means God comforts and encourages you through the people in your life – your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, fellow believers, spiritual leaders, etc. This also means that God uses you to comfort others.
This might be the most obvious way God provides comfort. When we’re feeling down, upset, or stressed out, it is often the people that God puts in our lives that comfort and encourage us the most.
The God of all comfort
God is the “God of all comfort …in all our troubles.”
(2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
He comforts you with His presence, His Word, and His people. As you look back on difficult times in your life, or perhaps the painful times right now … how has God comforted you? What passages from God’s Word have encouraged you? What people has He used to bless you?
As you think about others who need to be comforted, pray for God’s presence to be near to them. Text them an encouraging passage of Scripture. Give them a call or write them a short note expressing your gratitude for them. Consider taking our Self-Study course on caregiving and learn how to better comfort those who are hurting and broken. Just as God comforted Paul “by the coming of Titus” … the Lord will use you to comfort others.
And remember … “in all your troubles” – in all your pain, in all your grief, in all your struggles – God is near.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
(Matthew 5:4 ESV)
More Helpful Resources for You
Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of the hardest things to do. In our grief, God comforts. This book will show you how to move through the grief process and how to make sense of your emotions. Discover the comfort and promises of God’s Word and how to help others cope with loss.
You don’t have to be perfect for God to use you to change lives. This video-course on biblical caregiving will give you the confidence and tools needed to help others and make a difference. The digital format allows you to have complete flexibility to learn at your own pace. Great for those in ministry contexts, leadership roles, or anyone who wants to grow in their people-helping and relational skills.