Clear On Comfort
2 Corinthians 7:4-7 NKJV
4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
In the Psalms, the author states that “the entrance of Your words gives light: it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 NKJV. We use similar terminology when we speak of “the light came on” or “I have been in the dark on the subject.” We associate light with knowledge.
In an even greater way, we are all in the dark until we get light from God’s Word regarding spiritual truths. We never discovered Jesus; He was revealed to us. So when it comes to understanding God and His ways, we need light; we need to be able to see truth. And a key area for God’s light to shine in our lives is about affliction and comfort.
In our verses for today, Paul speaks of the tribulation he encountered when he came to Macedonia. Lack of physical rest, conflicts, and fears. But notice Paul does not credit God as the cause of his troubles. Paul’s problems were a function of his carrying the gospel and providing leadership to new churches formed in totally heathen cultures.
Even though Paul was experiencing trouble, he was also joyful. And he said it was because “God who comforts the downcast comforted us by the coming of Titus.” God who comforts the downcast. Not God who causes the downcast. Or God who condemns the downcast. Or God who cast off the downcast. No, God comforts the downcast.
The word comfort is taken from the Greek words to come alongside and help. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter. Help can come in the way of encouragement, help, or comfort. In any form, this word is shining the light on the God who helps us when we are down. Not God who is disgusted with us when we are down, or God who abandons us when we are down. In Paul’s case, Titus came and brought good news of how the Corinthian church was making the right adjustments to Paul’s correction of them. They still loved and received Paul, and this news encouraged a man who suffered a great deal on his mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Application
Whenever you are downcast, it’s important to be clear on two things. God did not cause you to be down. And God can comfort you when you find yourself in that state. He loves you and wants you to receive His help, encouragement, and comfort. This is why we want to run to the Lord, not away from Him, when we are down and discouraged. He may send someone your way. He may speak to your heart as you read Bible 365. He may encourage you by a devotional. God has many ways to comfort. He is the God of all comfort.
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your help and comfort. I purpose to receive the help You offer.