Our Comforter

2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

**This one may be a little short and out of the norm for me...***

Saturday, we were supposed to drive up to my aunt and uncle's for a fellowship/singing. My aunt called me that morning and told me they were having to cancel because one of her dear friends' son had been found dead that morning. I haven't been able to put this out of my mind. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, especially so unexpectedly and unexplained. All I could do, and can still do, is pray for that mother, and her other son, and the rest of that young man's family and friends. My prayers were for comfort for them, because that is what we want when something bad happens, right? How blessed we are to have such a loving Father who will comfort us. Who has sent His Spirit to comfort us, and who has given us friends and family to give us physical comfort. (2 Corinthians 7:6 & 7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) We can know that no matter what happens, no matter how terrible it is - and sometimes it may be almost unbearable - He will be there. We can pray (James 5:13) and cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), and He will deliver us (Psalm 34:19).

I wrote a poem for a friend back when we were in high school and she lost her father. The circumstances today are a little different, but the sentiment is the same as it was from my 17-year-old heart then.

***
I know right now you're hurting,
But tomorrow will be brighter.
I know it feels as though the pain
Will never go away,
But it will eventually start
To ease.
I know the sadness with always be
Underlying there,
But you must go on with your life.
And always remember
You've got your friends -
We'll always be here for you.
To help you through the tough times,
To share with you the good.
We'll always be true.
Lean on us and we'll lean on you
And we'll all survive.
***

Like I said, from a 17-year-old's heart.

And remember, God can make a rainbow out of any storm.


Dear God, I praise You for being such a loving Father, and for always being there for us. Help us to always turn to You when we need comforting, and to remember You can help us through any situation that arises in our lives. I pray especially at this time for those who have lost a loved one. Please comfort them as only You can, and help us to be there for them and to bring them Your loving-kindness. In Christ's precious name, Amen.