2 Corinthians 1

Bible Passage:  2 Corinthians 1

Comfort We Can All Use

The world that we live in is a troubled place.

If it is not the earthquakes, it is the volcanic eruptions.  If it is not the financial turmoil that threatens to engulf us once again, it is the civil riots or rebellions that are popping up all over the world.  If it is not the mindless shooting by a self righteous zealot, it is the shocking images of a clean cut youth with detailed plans and materials for another high school massacre.

Ok… these may be far from home.  But one way or another, I am sure we are facing some form of trouble or trials – if not at home, then it is at work.  If not with our children, then it is with our beloved.

I can go on and on… and truly… we can all just give up and be depressed just thinking about all these things.

That’s why it is so reassuring to read what Paul said today in 2 Cor 1:3-4…

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.

The Corinthians must be living in pretty similar circumstances.

The words – ‘trouble’ – often appear in this passage.  But it is counter balanced by the word ‘comfort’.  It is almost as if these two always go together.

If I ask all of you to define what trouble means to you, I am very sure I would drown in the deluge of answers.  But all this just adds to our daily pressures and stresses.  It lingers around you.  It gnaws continually at your mind.  It threatens your well being. It makes you feel like not going to work.  It puts a sick feeling in your stomach… It gives you a sense of hopelessness concerning the future.

But if I ask all of you to define what comfort means – I am also very sure you can give me a wide myriad of answers.  But generally speaking, it is something more than a smile or a pat on the back.  It is more than just a word of encouragement.

Comfort in this passage carries with it a meaning of “to strengthen”.

Paul was someone who was in more trouble than anyone I know.  See what he said in verse 8..

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

Sounds very serious.

But in it all, Paul experienced the strength that God gave him such that despite all the pressures and stresses he faced, he had a peaceful and calm heart.

It certainly makes you wonder…. how is it that I, a Christian just like Paul…. when I am faced with troubles, I will just break down and lose all control of myself?  Then I realize the great difference… Paul knew how to always… and I repeat… always… turn to God for His comfort and strengthening.

The reason why we are in big trouble when we are in trouble is because we do not trouble ourselves to trouble God for His comfort and strength.  (hahaha…  sorry… just trying to be too ‘clever’ here).  Let me try again….

God knows what we are facing and will always be there for us.

But when we are facing troubles, we often do like what those who do not have God do – we try to run away from it.

Or, we do like what many Christians do – we pray that somehow, the troubles will miraculously disappear.  All our hopes are for an escape somehow.  And when the troubles are still around… we start to murmur… complain… and live in anger or fear.

This is certainly not what Paul wants us to do….

See what he says in verse 3… “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  Some versions says “Praise be to the God …”.

The message is the same.  Paul blesses and praises God for the circumstances of his life even though he is in the midst of tribulations and troubles.  He reminds us that Jesus is “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort”.  Despite his circumstances, he can still see God’s mercies and comfort.

He does not pray that he will be able to escape from it all… But he prays that he may have the opportunity to find true comfort in Jesus.

Paul is indeed very remarkable.  The reason he can rejoice in the Lord always is because he draws his comfort from the Lord Jesus and nothing else.

And when he has been comforted – he will now be able to comfort others in turn (2 Cor 1:4)

Something to learn.

 

 

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