“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

— 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Have you ever gone through a terrible trial, yet through it all felt completely surrounded by God’s love? God is the God of all comfort, and when we struggle, He comforts us by His presence, His power, and His Word. Here are some of God’s words that might comfort your heart in times of great difficulty:

• When people persecute you: “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).
• When you’re sick: “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22).
• When you’re weary: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
• When you’re afraid: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).
• When you need help: “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14).
• When you’re worried: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

God’s comfort is wonderful in difficult times. But God doesn’t comfort us just for our own sakes; He comforts us so that we may comfort others. I remember when a woman in our church lost her son in a swimming pool accident. Many people tried to comfort her, and she appreciated their concern, but she didn’t experience true comfort until someone who had also lost a child came and talked to her.

When we experience tragedy, we can thank God for the comfort He gives us in our time of need. And later, we may look for opportunities to comfort others who are going through similar trials. Allow God to work through you, maybe even today, to bring His comfort to others with the comfort He has given you.

“Christianity is a religion of comfort. Our God is not only
‘the God of all grace,’ He is also ‘the God of all comfort.’”
Bill Elliot