As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…

Isaiah 66:13a

…the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, So that we can comfort those in any trouble With the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3b-4

Comfort, I had never really thought about it that much until reading a story about a little girl who needed her mother’s comfort and actually asked for it.

What struck me about the story other than the abounding love of the mother was that the hurting daughter actually asked for what she needed from her. The mother, ready and capable of providing what the girl needed opened her arms and gave her daughter the consolation she desired.

As I reflected on the story I wondered if I had ever really asked God to comfort me. Sure, I had prayed and asked Him for help with whatever situation I found myself in, but had I ever actually asked Him to comfort me through it?

My grandmother quilted and I have many of her quilts. When I get sick or tired, I love to grab one of them and wrap myself up in it. God loves me and wants to wrap His comfort around me in much the same way.

Not a sign of weakness to ask for comfort, it may be a sign of pride not to ask for it. His omnipotence allows Him to care for me personally while taking care of the rest of the world at the same time. It compliments Him for me to ask for and receive his comfort.

1 Corinthians 1:4 promises that not only do we ourselves benefit from His comfort, but others will as well. By His example, we can show compassion for and comfort those going through the rough patches of life.

Comfort, it heals my hurt, my heart, and my soul.

Thank you, god, for comfort. I reach for it. I ask for it, and You, almighty God, provide it. You are awesome.

Susan P.