Comfort Food
I used to joke around that on days of great trouble, I wanted to eat “comfort food.” You know what I mean. It may be that you eat ice cream or chocolate when you get depressed or down about something.
This morning as I did my devotion, I came to an interesting passage:
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. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
As I studied through this passage, it was easy to first realize that God is our comforter. He is our “Father of mercy” and source of “all comfort.” However, many people mistake this passage to mean that when we are in trouble, that we only need to turn to him to get out of trouble. This is not the case, because our trials (our trouble) only help to strengthen our faith.
When we need comfort, we can turn to God for strength, encouragement, and hope. When we turn to him for this type of comfort, it shows our faith and trusts in His love for us. When we allow God to comfort us, it helps us get through and builds our faith so that we can provide comfort to others. In this way, we show God’s love to them (as in Love Thy Neighbor).
As you go through trouble, remember to thank God for the blessings He has provided. And if you have enough faith, thank God for the trouble you are enduring for it will strengthen you as a believer.
Next time you need “comfort food,” turn to God. It’s served buffet style – get as much as you want.