2 Corinthians 1:3-7 + Isaiah 66:12-13 + Psalm 91:1-2
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and 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. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
Isaiah 66:12-13 (NIV)
For this is what the Lord says:
“I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Devotion
Paul refers to God as, “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” He also goes on to communicate that once we have experienced God’s compassion and comfort that we are equipped to comfort others that are suffering and experiencing troubles. With Christ as your foundation, how are you showing compassion and comforting others in these troubled times?
Prayer
- Pray that God would allow you to see the circumstances of your life with an eternal perspective.
- Pray that you would experience God’s comfort in this season of your life.
- Pray that God would give you the opportunity to extend that comfort and compassion to others who are in need of it.
- Spend time in silence listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit to bring you the comfort and compassion that only comes from Him.
Father of Compassion and Comfort, I Praise You that You use all things for good to those who love You and are called to Your purposes. How I need to remember that in this hour. Thank You for all the times in my life when I received Your comfort and how You are so compassionate with me. Lord, I am asking that You would give me words of encouragement and hope to those in need. You would demonstrate Your love in and through my life. Oh Father so many in need around me, strengthen and guide me to use what You have given me to be a blessing to others. Show me when to “sit” and listen with a tender heart, when to speak an encouraging word, how to pray, what to do. I ask that whatever I do, that I would do it with Your strength, Your Power and when I speak I would speak Your words and be a blessing to others and point people to You. I lean into You Lord, teach me Your ways. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ.
