What other scriptures highlight God's comfort in times of distress? Anchoring Verse: God Steps In 2 Corinthians 7:6 — “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus.” Paul felt crushed, yet the Lord intervened through a friend’s arrival. This single line opens the door to a rich trail of Scriptures that echo the same promise. Old-Testament Pictures of Divine Comfort • Psalm 34:18 — “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” • Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” • Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” • Isaiah 66:13 — “As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be comforted—in Jerusalem.” • Lamentations 3:22-24 — “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” Comfort from the Shepherd-King Psalm 23:4 — “Even 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.” • His presence removes fear. • His rod (protection) and staff (guidance) give practical, daily assurance. Messiah’s Direct Words of Consolation • Matthew 5:4 — “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” • John 14:16-18 — “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth… I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” Jesus promises immediate comfort (beatitudes) and ongoing comfort (the Spirit). The Apostolic Pattern: Receive and Pass It On • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 — “Blessed be the God… who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” • Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing… the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” • 1 Peter 5:7 — “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Notice how comfort flows from God, settles our hearts, and then spreads through us to others. Ultimate & Everlasting Comfort Revelation 21:4 — “‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” The Bible closes with a picture of absolute, permanent relief—God Himself removing every cause of sorrow. Living in the Reality of God’s Comfort • Recall His promises daily; they are literal, dependable, and alive. • Welcome the Holy Spirit’s presence; He is the “Advocate” sent to stay. • Let fellow believers—modern-day “Tituses”—be channels of God’s consolation. • Pass on what you receive; comfort shared multiplies. |
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