Thursday, July 3, 2025

            In the opening of his second letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  Paul made it clear that we are doubly-blessed.  We are blessed by the comfort that God provides to us in any, and all, circumstances.  And second, we are blessed to be able to comfort and encourage others with the same comfort that God has extended to us.  Indeed, God often comforts us so that we have comfort to extend to others who may be hurting or struggling in some way.
            You can probably easily recall occasions where God has comforted you.  And likewise, you might be able to remember times when you drew from that well of comfort to bless and support others.  As Paul made clear, the Lord is to God of all comfort.  I had a chance earlier this week to spend three days at the Bill Graham Training Center at The Cove.  I heard Dr. Jim Henry speak and preach during four sessions.  He spoke about the decline and death of his first wife who suffered from dementia and finally passed away.  He shared that he consistently reminded her of three important realities...Jesus loves you; Jesus is with you; and Jesus has your back.  Even in his wife’s failing health, he wanted her to have these three simple and powerful truths to stand on.  And, Dr. Henry stood on them as well as his wife’s primary caregiver.  We can stand on them today whether we are facing challenges or enjoying relatively calm days.    
            Frankly, we all need to be reminded of these three realities on a regular basis.  Jesus does love us—even when we have acted most undeservingly.  Jesus remains with us—just as He promised His disciples and all His people in Scripture.  Jesus does have our back.  He provides for and protects His people.  Just a little later in 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote, “for no matter how many promises God has made, they are yes in Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 1:20).  Anchor your life today in these three comforting and strong realities.  They are not subject to the many changes and swings that we often experience today in our health, finances, jobs or other things.  Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.  And we hold on to this reality and truth.
            I close by reminding you of three other important realities that Dr. Henry shared with those of us at The Cove.  Stay in the Word.  Stay on your knees.  Keep looking up.  Read and treasure God’s Word.  Pray in all situations and times.  Look for the Lord at work around you and be ready for His return.  These realities comfort us and bless us as we navigate the changes that come our way—changes we might neither see nor expect.  But God is still Lord over all changes and we claim His Lordship by remembering these basic truths.  Comfort yourself and your family with this good news!  Have a great Thursday!  We’ll see you Sunday for Bible study and worship!