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all the names given to God in Scripture, none is more consoling than
'...the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles...' (vv.
3-4 NIV). Notice the words 'all comfort'. That means there are no
exceptions and no limitations to God's comfort, no matter how dreadful
your circumstances. Comfort is God's name and nature; it's who He is and
what He naturally wants to do! You can't get close to Him and not be
comforted. Lack of comfort results from disconnecting from God--usually
the result of a lack of faith. Comfort comes by faith. You can know
intellectually that He's the 'God of all comfort', but not feel
comforted because of your doubts. Jesus instructed the blind man who
came for healing, '...According to your faith be it unto you' (Matthew
9:29KJV). 'Knowing' needs the addition of 'believing' before you'll
experience comfort. Feeling follows faith, not vice versa! Suppose
you're taking your first ocean cruise and have some concern about
safety. The captain assures you he's a qualified veteran and the ship's
the latest version available, equipped with modern communications and
safety equipment. If, like too many Christians, you refuse to believe
him until you first feel the comfort, you'll probably disembark or spend
the entire voyage unnecessarily sick with worry. But if you make up
your mind to believe the captain's word, you'll soon feel the lessening
of anxiety and the presence of comfort! Today, decide to trust the
'Captain of our salvation' who promises to 'comfort us in all our
troubles', and you'll experience the comfort He provides.
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