Pastor's Corner: The God of all comfort

2nd Corinthians 1:3-4 says: "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; who comforts us in our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort where we ourselves are comforted of God."

God is our strength and comfort. If a people and a nation ever needed God’s comfort, it is I now. Our nation is in mourning as we pray and weep with the families in Uvalde, Texas.

Jesus said, Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Psalm 42:5 tells us to hope in God. The Lord once said he would comfort us as a mother comforts. Jesus said “blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” John 14:16 says, ”I will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” Thank God for the Holy Spirit, who embraces us with his comforting presence.

One of the teachers who died in that tragedy was found holding one of her young students. Many people interviewed said it was tragic and senseless what happened. All we can do at times of hurt and pain is hold onto God. The Lord is close to them who are brokenhearted. He is a very present help in time of trouble.

The Lord’s comforting presence will see you through anything. Thirty-six years ago my wife and I felt that comforting presence as we lost a young son in a tragic automobile accident in Oklahoma. My grandparent’s pastor met us for the first time and he put his arms around us and cried with us. He said I have never faced what you and your wife are going through right now; all I can say is trust God’s word.[END ITAL] People we never had met called and said we are praying for you. They shared our hurt and pain. Jesus bore our griefs and carried our sorrows.

All kinds of political opinions are going forth right now, but what the loved ones in Uvalde, Texas, need is God’s comfort. The Lord is the God of all comfort.