Sometimes life just sucks. Whether it is financial, relational, or some other issue the turmoils of daily life can sometimes seem overwhelming. That is why having the indwelling Holy Spirit as a guide and comforter in troubling times is so important. I would say I can’t imagine life without Christ, but I can since I came to Christ later in life. I can testify this life is soooo much better.

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2 Corinthians 1

CONTEXT: This book is written roughly a year after Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth. This one appears more upbeat and complimentary. Matthew Henry breaks it down as follows: After the introduction (v. 1, 2) the apostle begins with the narrative of his troubles and God’s goodness, which he had met within Asia, by way of thanksgiving to God (v. 3-6), and for the edification of the Corinthians (v. 7-11). Then he attests his and his fellow laborers’ integrity (v. 12-14), and afterward vindicates himself from the imputation of levity and inconstancy (v. 15-24).

Our text verses today are significant in how Paul addresses his (and his companions’) trials.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

All praise, honor, and adoration be to God. Note the Greek word for God here is Theos, indicating the Triune Godhead. He calls out Christ because only through Him can a man be truly comforted. Using a familiar Jewish phrase Father of mercies, Paul calls upon the reader to remember this is not some “new” God of his imagination but the comforter of old.

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Why give God all praise, honor, and adoration? Because He alone provided the needed comfort in our time of tribulation. Why is that so significant for a Christian? Because of our comfort, we can minister in the manner God has chosen for our lives to others. Think about that for a minute. In my opening statement, I said sometimes life sucks. Even if that is the reality of the moment if that is your daily attitude how would that reflect upon those around you?

Maybe the greatest story of taking comfort in God can be found in the Book of Job. The bible says Job was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. (Job 1:1) Even after God allowed Satan to put Job under severe tribulation, he never wavered in his faith taking comfort in God.

The question here is a simple one, where do you seek comfort in times of trouble? In worldly things (fellow man, etc.) or the God of all creation?