2 Corinthians 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.”
When the Bible says “blessed be God” it doesn’t mean that we are giving something to God that he lacks or that he is better off because we bless him. It means that we are lifting him high, and pouring out the thanks and praise he deserves. And this verse tells us one significant reason he deserves our praise: he is the God of all comfort.
What does this mean? It means that he is the giver of complete comfort. When we find comfort anywhere else it helps only some of our pain and for only a little while. God’s comfort addresses every aspect of pain and is eternal.
It means that he is the giver of every means of comfort. So when we take an advil, hear an encouraging word, are wrapped in a hug, receive wise counsel, laugh until our ribs hurt, or cry with a close friend these are God’s gifts. They are expressions of his kindness.
It means that even as we receive these gifts, we must always look to the giver for ultimate comfort. And when we do, he will give it through his Spirit, his word, and his people. The God of all comfort is never lacking in capacity or creativity to comfort us in our need.
I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe.
