THE FATHER OF COMPASSION AND COMFORT - PART 1

MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER 202

A good friend of mine recently lost her step mother, who he described as a good, kind and honest woman. She was also described as a woman of a great talent. However, my friend found comfort in my encouraging words - full of grace, and I noticed that the consoling words I made use of, strengthened him so much and lifted him up from the crushing weight of grief. Beloved, this is what God does better for us, when we embrace His compassion and comforting words in the Scriptural passages, especially in difficult situations and in times of distress and despondency.

Reference 2 Corinthians 1:3 New International Version (NIV) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort."

I'm absorbed in the contemplation that apostle Paul could never celebrate and praise God without naming the reasons. In the context of this topic, He says, "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our God is a merciful Father and the source of all comfort."

Beloved, our hearts should know a joy beyond anything this earth can afford because God doesn't just rejoice over us, He is greatly known as compassionate God, full of comfort. Very frequently, I flow with a spirited sense of contentment and peace in Christ Jesus because I've been overcome and overpowered by a deep sense of comfort from the Lord. His compassion is unwavering and unquenchable in my life. I don't know about you, but I believe that you must learn to have a constant fellowship with His compassion, because it is something to hold on to, grasp tightly, and never let go, even if everything else seems to be slipping through your fingers or palms like a sand.

Hear me! Are you going through any challenging situation? Are you faced with any difficulties? Have you experienced any kind of loss? Are you bereaved? Are you in any state of disappointment or discomfort? Is your business or contract in a shambles? Are you facing any serious health issues? I want you to gain the understanding that God has not turned His back on you, and He will never do so. Our referenced Scripture reveals exactly what I just said.

In addition, the Lord Himself assures, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you" (Isaiah 43:2 NLT). Therefore, being actively dependent on God serves as a better mechanism that ensures you remain rested on the wings of His compassion and comfort. Those who do this realise that wholeness and goodness flood into their lives like rivers of water. It can't be otherwise.

God's compassion on you displays an image of memorable scale, of incredible power and unspeakable potency. It hangs there in this picture of your ineffable beauty with "ground-in" symbolism on His palms. To instantiate this truth, the New American Standard Bible of Isaiah 49:15-16 says, "Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me."

Your beauty stylishly engraved on the scale of God's palms dwarfs any experience of discomfort in times of adversity. Indeed, He is your comfort and relief in a time of distress or sadness. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10 KJV). Stay tuned for part 2. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 69:16-17; Isaiah 30:18; Lamentations 3:22-23; James 5:11.

Guided Prayer: Gracious Father, I'm in awe of the ascendant impact of your compassion in my life and I'm constantly in contemplation of your comfort always showered on me. Hence, I stand firm on your everlasting faithfulness, as I glory in my loving relationship with your perfections, in Jesus' Name, Amen!