RECEIVE COMFORT IN THE TIME OF DIFFICULTIES, PAIN OR HURT

“I, even, I am He who comforts you…”—Isaiah 51:12
 
Today, I want to encourage you to see God as a comforter.  See Him as the one who offers consolation as you walk through the valleys in life.  In times of difficulties, pain or hurt remember it is the Lord of Comfort who comes to encourage your heart, relieve your burdens and help you through trials. 
 
Jesus Christ was the representation of God the Father on earth—and the symbol of all His names. He always responded to hurt and distressed people with soothing words and kind actions.   He did not judge the Samaritan woman for her serial marriages.  Instead, Jesus offered her new life, “But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). He gave relief to the bleeding woman, “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48),  and solace to Jairus’ grieving family, “Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, ‘Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping”  (Luke 8:52).   
 
The Lord is as ready to comfort and strengthen believers today as He was back then, “Blessed be the God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
 
Human beings heap shame and blame upon themselves and each other, but the Lord does not function that way.  He is the God of comfort, a trait that shows up in another of His names: Shepherd.  The Shepherd uplifts His followers, even through the valley of the shadow of death, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). 
 
Today no matter what difficulty you are going through, call upon the God of Comfort.  He will strengthen your heart, ease your burden and help you regardless of what you may be going through. 
 
Prayer—Father I ask You to help me as I go through this difficulty (ies).  I ask for Your Comfort, grace and strength to help me during this time, in Jesus Name. Amen.