BEING A COMFORTER

Blessed be God, even the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies, and the
God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able
to comfort them which are in
any trouble, by the comfort
wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.
II Corinthians 1:3,4

Remembering some uncomfortable days when just a little girl, I thought back to my proneness toward having bad colds in the winter. When stuffy and coughing before bedtime, my Mother would come into the room, sit on the edge of my bed prepared to do battle. Mother had a weapon that I considered deadly, but that she saw as a cure-all. Even in the dim light coming through the slightly open bedroom door, I saw her deadly weapon. It was found in a dark blue jar with a dark blue lid. All she had to do was open that jar and it seemed as though the aroma filled the room. Yep, it was good ole Vick's Salve. She would rub it on my chest. With what was left on an index finger, she would rub it with one swipe under my nose. Can't tell you how much I hated that stuff, but in a short amount of time, I was asleep with sinuses clear and no cough.

The thing is that to this day, I keep a small jar or Vick's Salve in a bedside table drawer. I usually only use it just inside the nostrils of my nose. It clears my nose up and extends into the throat. Even when I don't have to make use of the salve, there are times I get that little jar out to look at, even some time to the point of smelling that strong aroma. It's a reminder of another time when physical comfort was provided for a little girl with bad colds.

When looking at sources of personal comfort, memory is a good place to delve into. All of us have bad memories of time past. However, we can detour around them to the more pleasant memories we have of childhood or of those up to the present that brings smiles to our faces.

Most often when in need of comfort, it's because of traumatic events life presents. It's during these times that comforting ourselves doesn't seem to come easy. However, we can find personal comfort in the Word of God. Psalm 119:50 tells us: “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” The Word of God quickens, brings life back into our spirits. When a comforter, one of the best things we can give to one in turmoil is the Word of God. Preaching isn't necessary but a verse assuring of God's love or concern can be helpful. Notes or cards with just an appropriate verse can calm one's spirit.

No matter the difficulty, the best comfort we have is through the indwelling Holy Spirit. We read a lot about Him in John 14. Jesus was instructing and trying to comfort His disciples regarding His leaving them. He assured them He wouldn't leave them alone spiritually. He spoke to them of a Comforter that would come to them upon His leaving.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, he shall teach you all things,
and bring to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Holy Spirit would indwell those disciples upon Jesus leaving, going to Heaven. To this day, we benefit having the Spirit's presence in us the same as those disciples who were filled with the Spirit at Pentecost. He's in us to comfort and teach us. However, the Spirit only indwells those who have accepted Jesus as personal Savior. When in a position to be of comfort to another, we have the indwelling Spirit who wants to lead and teach us in the whole process of ministering to someone in need.

We are living in a culture that is sick and evil. Unfortunate things aren't just happening to people who are a part of the unsaved world. Christians are being put to all sorts of tests. Some events may occur just through natural events of life, while other things may come in the form of tragic, unexpected events. As God's people, we will often be called upon to be comforters. We prepare by being strong in the Lord and knowledge of His Word. I'm so grateful for comforters who knew along the way, that I was going through a tough time...those special people who came along side of me with words of encouragement and comfort.

Thank You Father for the comfort You extend to Your children through Your Word and comforting of Your Spirit. You are always on time with meeting our needs of comfort with a special touch that assures us of Your love and care. In Jesus' precious name....Amen