Discomfort and God's Comfort
Embracing discomfort as we walk with the God of all comfort | Random Thoughts | Jesus Christ | Christianity
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (BSB)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
Embracing Discomfort
One of my daily devotional readings this week talked about discomfort and comfort. It reminded me that our Christian journey can often feel uncomfortable due to spiritual warfare and our growing into Christ’s likeness. The “devo” encouraged believers to embrace discomfort.
Do you feel comfortable or uncomfortable regarding any of the following?
Resisting temptation and sin
Being transformed into Christ’s likeness
Saying “No” whenever (and wherever) the unbelieving culture says “Yes”
Declaring Jesus publicly in the midst of unbelievers
Standing firm in spiritual warfare
Anything you could add to this list?
Additions from Readers
Confronting our actual sin (thanks, Jenn!)
Living in constant, physical pain (thank you, Kim!)
Grieving our loved ones’ unbelief as we pray for them (thanks Kim!)
Thank you, beloved readers, and we all lift up prayers for you. Let’s continue and read about what we can look forward to one day. Let’s continue to encourage each other to persevere, to stand firm, for our loving God IS FAITHFUL!!
[Read “What Is “Sticky Love” and Why Does It Matter?”]
Embracing Jesus as His follower often involves embracing discomfort, feeling uncomfortable in the world around us. We feel discomfort when we surrender our desires to choose God’s desires. When I struggle as I grow in Christ, the good news is He understands and is my best sounding board. He left heaven to be born on Earth in human flesh. Now, that’s discomfort!
And this good news is why I started this post with 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. I want to keep these words top of mind whenever I’m feeling discomfort as God and I work together to shed my “Earthly-ness” to become more like Jesus. I feel a comforting discomfort as I die to self, as I walk away from temptations and sins to walk in the many spiritual blessings God possesses and gives to His children freely.
Romans 6:8 (BSB)
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.
He’s transforming us not only to serve Him on Earth, but also to prepare us to live in His kingdom in the new Earth. Our blessed Father God invites us to embrace this discomfort as we grow spiritually. He knows what awaits us one day: His presence, and enjoying Him forever. The discomfort we may feel reminds us we are not of this world (as the stickers say on some Christians’ cars).
Embracing the Father of all Comfort
Let’s take some time and dwell in God’s word:
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (BSB)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
the Father of compassion
The phrase "Father of compassion" underscores God's nature as one who is deeply caring and merciful. The Greek word for compassion, "oiktirmos," conveys a sense of deep empathy and pity. This attribute of God is consistent with His character as revealed in the Old Testament, where He is often described as compassionate and gracious (Exodus 34:6). The fatherhood of God in this context suggests a nurturing and protective role, akin to a parent who is moved by the suffering of their children. This is further illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), where the father's compassion leads to forgiveness and restoration.
and the God of all comfort
The term "comfort" is translated from the Greek word "paraklesis," which means to come alongside and help. This concept is central to the role of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the "Paraclete" or "Comforter" in John 14:16. The idea of God as the source of all comfort is a recurring theme in Scripture, offering assurance to believers in times of distress. Isaiah 40:1-2 speaks of God's comfort to His people, promising deliverance and hope. In the New Testament, this comfort is often linked to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, who provides peace and guidance to believers. The universality of "all comfort" suggests that God's consolation is sufficient for every trial and tribulation, reinforcing the promise found in Philippians 4:7 of a peace that surpasses all understanding.
~BibleHub Study Bible (bottom of page)
4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
who comforts us in all our troubles
This phrase highlights God's role as the ultimate source of comfort. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to a church that has experienced various trials and persecutions. The Greek word for "comfort" here is "paraklēsis," which implies encouragement and consolation. This reflects the nature of God as described in Isaiah 51:12, where God declares Himself as the one who comforts His people. Historically, the early church faced significant persecution, and this assurance of divine comfort would have been crucial for their endurance. The comfort God provides is not limited to specific situations but encompasses all troubles, indicating His omnipresence and omnipotence.
so that we can comfort those in any trouble
This phrase suggests a purpose behind the comfort received from God: to enable believers to extend that same comfort to others. This reflects the communal and interdependent nature of the Christian faith, where believers are called to support one another. The early church, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, was characterized by a strong sense of community and mutual aid. This principle of comforting others is also seen in the life of Jesus, who often reached out to those in distress, such as in Matthew 11:28-30, where He invites the weary to find rest in Him. The phrase underscores the idea that personal experiences of God's comfort equip believers to minister to others effectively.
with the comfort we ourselves have received from God
This final phrase emphasizes the source and authenticity of the comfort believers are to share. It is not a human-derived consolation but one that originates from God Himself. This divine comfort is transformative and empowering, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like David, who found solace in God during his trials (Psalm 23:4). The cyclical nature of receiving and giving comfort mirrors the concept of grace, where believers are conduits of God's love and mercy. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God using His people to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the lives of the prophets and apostles. The comfort received is a testament to God's faithfulness and serves as a powerful witness to His character and promises.
~BibleHub Study Bible (bottom of page)
5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us
This phrase highlights the intimate connection between believers and Christ, emphasizing that Christians share in the sufferings of Jesus. The sufferings of Christ refer to the trials, persecutions, and hardships He endured during His earthly ministry. This connection is rooted in the idea that believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:5). Historically, the early church faced persecution, mirroring the sufferings of Christ. This shared experience is seen as a mark of true discipleship (Philippians 1:29). The concept of suffering for one's faith is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to rejoice in their sufferings, knowing they produce perseverance and character (Romans 5:3-4).
so also through Christ our comfort overflows
This part of the verse assures believers that just as they share in Christ's sufferings, they also share in His comfort. The comfort mentioned here is not merely emotional solace but a profound spiritual consolation that comes from being in Christ. This comfort is abundant and overflowing, indicating that it is more than sufficient to meet the needs of those who suffer. The source of this comfort is Christ Himself, who promised to send the Holy Spirit as the Comforter (John 14:16). This comfort is also linked to the hope of eternal life and the assurance of God's presence in times of trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). The overflowing nature of this comfort suggests that it is meant to be shared with others, encouraging believers to support one another in their trials (2 Corinthians 1:6-7).
~BibleHub Study Bible (bottom of page)
Your Turn
Dear readers, are you feeling either discomfort or uncomfortable? Turn to your Lord, the God of all comfort, and pour out your heart to Him. Embrace Him as you walk through seasons of discomfort.
And, let’s comfort each other with these words:
Revelation 21:1-7 (BSB)
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man,
and He will dwell with them.
They will be His people,
and God Himself will be with them as their God.
4 ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’
and there will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain,
for the former things have passed away.”
5 And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” 6 And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.
Maranatha, (again) come Lord Jesus.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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What about the actual discomfort? Of living in constant pain as you struggle with daily life? Boy does that not make heaven look good, the thought that one day, if we are obedient to God, there will be no more pain.
But yes, I feel every discomfort that you listed.
I'm trying to get closer to God, but then I fail, my husband does not join me in my walk, I have children who are struggling with life, I cannot turn their faces to God, and its all just overwhelming.
Here's another item to add to the list at the top: discomfort in confronting our actual sin. These days I kind of love it when God convicts me of sin because it's an opportunity to face the parts of me that have yet to become like Jesus--but also gives me hope that the reason they're being pointed out to me is so that He and I can work on them together. But I didn't used to be this way, and I feel like there are a whole lot of us out there who can verbally or intellectually acknowledge that we're "sinners," but when it comes to being confronted with an actual sinful attitude or action we have committed or are committing, we find that so dis-comforting that we often want to avoid it at all costs.