The God of all comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions..." What a glorious name is here given to our God! He is called "the Father of mercies" and "the God of all comfort." Not only does this reveal the tender character of God, but it opens a window into His gracious dealings with His redeemed people. He is not a distant observer of our pain, nor a cold deity unmoved by our trials. He is a Father--and not only of justice, but of mercies. He is the God--not merely of power and glory, but of all comfort. God's comfort is not reserved for mild inconveniences or minor hurts. He comforts us in ALL our afflictions. There is no sorrow too deep, no trial too complex, no burden too heavy for His consoling grace. When His children pass through the furnace, it is not to destroy them, but to refine them. And in the heat of that affliction, He draws near to pour in the oil of gladness, to whisper peace, to uphold with His righteous right hand. This comfort does not come merely in the form of changed circumstances, but through the very presence of God Himself. He comforts by giving more of Himself. His Word revives the fainting soul, His Spirit applies truth with power, His providence gently overrules for our good. Let us then bless our God--not only when the sun shines, but when the storm breaks. Let us trace every ray of comfort back to its Source: the heart of the Father of mercies. And in every sorrow, let us remember that we are not abandoned--we are being drawn closer to the God who has pledged Himself to comfort us in all our affliction. God is too good to be u