Mercy and Comfort

There is no getting around the fact that we are going to suffer in this world.

Bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen to bad people. We live in a world of sin and where sin abounds, suffering and affliction is right behind it.

I used to think if I did everything I was supposed to, give my life to Jesus, go to church, serve at church, invite people to church, tell people about Jesus, raise my kids in church.  If I did these things then I would not suffer.  I would always have the victory.  I do have the victory, but it doesn’t look like a fairy tale ending and living happily ever after.  I’ve been saved since I was 17 years old and I had a difficult childhood.  But that pales in comparison to the trials and tribulations I have gone through since then.  Living many years in just misery and not even knowing why.  The first dysfunctional 17 years of my life led to the next 37 years of trying to unravel the emotional trauma which I’m just now finally coming out of.   Which brings me to the God of wonders beyond our galaxy. (Third day Band lyric). The father of Mercy and the God of all Comfort.

Oiktirmos (greek)-Mercy

Mercy is gut wrenching compassion that moves someone to act.  Have you ever felt gut wrenching compassion?  He is the God of that- gut wrenching compassion that moves someone to act.  Every time you see the word Mercy that is what that is- gut wrenching compassion that moves someone (Jesus) to act.  All mercy comes from God. He is the father of all mercies. El Rachum is a Hebrew name meaning God of Mercy/Comfort. 

Paraklésis (greek)-Comfort

Comfort can mean a few things- consolation (comfort after loss); solace (relief in times of distress); exhortation (persuade, urge); encouragement.  It also means to implore(beg); desperately, fervently do something; words of appeal; pray. All comfort comes from God.  He is comfort. Jehovah Nacham, or "The Lord is my Comforter"

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the father of mercies and the God of all comfort.  He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves received from God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation.  If we are comforted, it is for your comfort which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, you will also share in comfort.

1. Jesus is the Father of Mercy. Hebrews 4:16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
2. Jesus is the God of all comfort. Psalm 94:19 When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.
3. He comforts (gives relief to) us in all our affliction (tribulation, anguish, trouble, “hem someone in”- or cornered, external pressure, oppression). Psalm 31:7 I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love because you have seen my affliction. You know the troubles of my soul.
4. He comforts (pray, bring close to), and with the comfort received, we comfort others. We take His comfort and share it with someone else.  Hebrews 13:16 Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.
5. His comfort (encouragement) gives us the ability to comfort. Without his comfort we cannot comfort others.                                Philippians 4:13 For all things I have strength in the One strengthening me.
6. Jesus’ suffering overflows to us 1 Peter 1:6-7 You rejoice in this,  even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials  so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 
7. But his comfort (fervent prayer) also overflows to us.  John 4:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever (KJV)
8. If we are afflicted (troubled/cornered), it is for our comfort and salvation. 1 Peter 4:13 Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when His glory is revealed.
9. What is the purpose of comfort if there is no affliction.  If we are never afflicted, then no comfort is needed. Can you live on this earth without affliction?   Nope.   We have affliction so that we can be comforted.  Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: Your promise has given me life.
10. We cannot have salvation without affliction.  Why did we come to Christ? Our affliction. John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.
11. Comfort produces patient endurance of the same suffering (hardship) we suffer (ill treatment we have endured). Romans 15:5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus. 
12. It’s not the affliction that produces patient endurance. Affliction is awful. It is to be cornered in with no place to run.  It is oppression and external pressure, anguish and tribulation.  Isn’t that what we endured when we were out in the world?  Affliction?  Isn't that what we endure at times, following Christ? Lamentations 3:33 For He does not enjoy bringing affliction or suffering on mankind
13. Comfort has the sole purpose of producing patient endurance. It helps us to get past the hurt so we can move on.   It helps us to be encouraged, to keep moving forward, keep serving God, keep on keeping on.  2 Corinthians 4:17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.
14. Our faith, hope, and confidence is firm(steadfast), because we share in sufferings and we share in comfort. Sharing in suffering is way better then suffering alone.  We are supposed to share our burdens.  It is the law of Christ.                 Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
15. He never wants us to suffer, but even He suffered and so He does not want us to suffer alone.  Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.  He does not want us to suffer alone spiritually, mentally or physically. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”

There are many reasons why it took years for me to come to a true place of healing. It doesn't have to take 37 years.  However, it does take being intentional in your healing.  My inability to completely surrender and the fact that I wrestled with Jesus every step of the way didn't help much.  Basic life living: the day-to-day survival of making choices got in the way of the recovery I needed.  Life doesn’t stop; the world doesn’t stop to give you time to heal.  Bills don’t stop; family drama doesn’t stop.  I pray no matter what your age is, that you begin to be intentional in your walk with Jesus. Being focused and intentional will get you to the healing you need and the comfort, joy and peace you are looking for.   

I supposed that if I got stranded on an island on the day after giving my life to Jesus, I could have worked things out and found healing earlier.  But then again, I would have a whole other set of problems like shelter, food, basic survival.  Either way life does not stop to allow you to heal.  This is the suffering Jesus is talking about. And this is the comfort He provides.  The father of Mercy and the God of all Comfort beyond our galaxy. He is Holy, He is Holy.