Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 7:5b-6 “…we had no rest, but were harassed at every turn – conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,”

I look at this bed as having two comforters!  Burying a tearful face in the fur of a cat can be a comfort.  Or just that down-filled comforter to snuggle in can bring a measure of comfort.  There is something about that softness that can soothe the tension away.  What can be comfort for the body can sometimes then be transferred to the spirit.  The French word for this bed covering is “duvet” but I prefer our word for what it suggests; comfort.

Today’s verse gives a more reliable source for comfort.  Paul and Timothy had been having a rough time in their travels preaching the Gospel.  He described it as great pressure, hardship, and even deadly peril (II Cor. 1:8-10).  And now Paul is affirming that even though there was no rest and continual harassment, he could experience God’s comfort.  In the middle of conflict and fear, God reached out to comfort Paul by the coming of Titus who Paul loved like a son.

God comforts the downcast.  He sees when I am overwhelmed with fear and worry.  He cares when I am feeling too sad to get up from bed   Better than physical comfort, He gives me the amazing comfort of His love and goodness.  He brings to mind a song lyric.  He uses a long-forgotten verse.   And so often, He gives comfort through the encouragement of other believers as he did for Paul.  He is the “God of all comfort” (I Cor. 1:3-4) and knows better than anyone else how to lift my head and my spirits.

Lord, thank you for Your comfort and help me to share it.