The God of all Comfort is one of the greatest titles for our God. First because it makes it clear that there are times when we are all going to need comfort. Even the best of us are going to be at the point some time when we we ‘need a hug.’ After my mom died a friend phoned me and during the conversation he said ‘I wish I could be there to give you a hug.’
Not everybody likes hugs, but to me there are a great source of comfort. It means that someone is right there with me and ready to wrap me in their arms to make me feel better. I can’t prove it, but I think this is part of the notion of ‘greet one another with a holy kiss.’ Sadly, we live in a sick society that had almost made any physical contact suspect. We need comfort.
I want to talk more about human comfort later, but for today I want to notice a title that Paul uses for God. He calls God the ‘God of all comfort.’ In fact, the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, is called the Comforter. Literally He is called the ‘Paraclete.’ A Paraclete is one who comes alongside to offer comfort in time of need.
It is a joy to know that when I need comfort I have the God of all comfort right there beside me. If no one else is there I still have a place of refuge where God is there to give me a hug and give me the strength to go on. We will see later that He does use people sometimes – but there are times when His comfort is all we have, and it is alwasys sufficient.
I find this a very precious section of Scripture. Thank you Lord for being the God of all Comfort.
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