The name, "God of all Comfort", is to me the greatest and dearest of all names ( or characteristics) attributed to our Lord Jesus Christ. "All comfort" is an incredible amount of assurance and care given to us by God. But why then are so many Christians troubled or worried? Why are so many ( in fact, a majority of Christians) apprehensive and distressed about spiritual and physical matters? Some do not feel that they are "fit" to come before God and some do not trust him as they ought... These Christians spread sorrow wherever they go, and do not, in any way, glorify God.God commands us to be lights unto men, living epistles to unbelievers. But how can these "dismal Christians" be living epistles unto the world?
This is a section from Hannah Smith's The God of All Comfort ( a must-read for Christians):
I was once talking on the subject of religion with an intelligent agnostic, whom I very much wished to influence, and after listening to me politely for a little while, he said, "Well, madam, all I have to say is this. If you Christians want to make us agnostics inclined to look into your religion, you must try to be more comfortable in the possession of it yourselves. The Christians I meet seem to me to be the very most uncomfortable people anywhere around. they seem to carry their religion as a man carries a headache. He does not want to get rid of his head, but at the same time it is very uncomfortable to have it. And I for one do not care to have that sort of religion."
How can we promote our religion if we carry it as a headache? We can witness about God's comfort, but if we do not truly know what it is or have it in us, then how are we to be believed by the world? When witnessing, it is not just what we say, but also how we act in our daily life.
What is the comfort that God gives us? This comfort is the knowledge and trust in our Savior. This comfort is the all-encompassing, complete assurance in God's care for us. But many people read about God's comfort and think: "This is all too good to be true.." "Will God truly bestow this incredible gift to us?" "Will God truly send His comfort to me, a sinner?"
As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you... - Isaiah 66:13
What a wonderful verse... How many times when you were young ( or even now), did you go to your mother for comfort? Remember the comfort you got from being in her arms? In our mother's arms we feel completely safe... our worries seem to "melt" away as we are basked in motherly affection. Do you remember the times you disobeyed or lied, and were kindly forgiven by your mother?
But unfortunately, many Christians view God as a Judge, instead of as a Comforter. They look up to God fearfully, trembling before a stern, austere, unloving judge. Now I admit, God is the Judge of all nations... He punishes us and keeps His law, but the stern, unforgiving judge imagined by many pitiful Christians DOES NOT EXIST.
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; - Isaiah 51:12
What do Christians have to fear, if God is comforting us? And most of all, why do some Christians stand terrified before the GOD OF ALL COMFORT? It is very foolish to do so....
This brings us back to the sheep illustration used many times in the Bible. We are the sheep... foolish... frightened... confused. We are sometimes too frightened or foolish to trust in God, and be comforted by Him.
....to comfort all that mourn....- Isaiah 61:2
God will comfort ALL that mourn... No one is too sinful to be comforted by God ( for EVERY MAN is dead in sin). God offers His comfort to, not a select few Christians, but to ALL.
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down...-2 Corinthians 7:6
This message must be shown to all worried Christians. Yes, God has comfort for all who come to Him. And God is always here, always willing to give us His wonderful comfort. He never sleeps and never is "too busy" to help us!Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.- John 14:27
Now how can any believer, after reading this, go about with fear and terror inside of him?
Many ask, "How can I get God's comfort?" The answer is simple. You must take it.
God offers it to all of His children, but first the believer must have faith and trust in Him. Once he has the faith, he can ask God for the divine comfort...
The next time you meet a Christian who is worried and troubled, give him this message. Show him, that he belongs to a God of all comfort.
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.- 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17
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