Offering Comfort that Brings Hope and Healing in Times of Trouble

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 NIV

When friends are hurting, I often find myself stumped as to what to say. If I say nothing I kick myself for saying nothing. If I say something, I kick myself for what I said. Reaching out with comfort can feel awkward.

How can we offer comfort that gives hope and healing? 

Most of us have lived through difficult situations. And if you haven't, you will. Some people seem to get hit harder and more often than others. Storms vary and who can know the ways of the Lord? We trust him for the paths of our lives.

Years ago, when our second adoption fell through at the last minute — the nursery sat ready, the diaper bag was packed and we had settled on a name we had labored over and loved — friends graciously sent flowers. Through the unexpected arrival of flowers at our front door, we realized we were not alone. We felt comforted, supported and loved.

What helped you in your storm? The note? The flowers? The meal? The phone call or text? Sometimes there are no words. Sometimes there's nothing to do but take a pot of soup and sit for a minute — or leave. Maybe you didn’t get the comfort you needed. Not everyone does. But through the experience, you know what would have helped.  

The comfort you received, or would like to have received, is the comfort to share. Whether meeting practical needs, or sharing words of comfort, what helps you is most likely what will help others.

Scripture tells us, “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed” (Isaiah 50:4 NIV).

God instructs us when we seek Him. His Word brings comfort and guidance in our trials. Regardless of whether people come through for us or not, we can rest in the assurances of the Lord and His Word. He ministers to the depths of the soul and heals broken places. He restores faith. We can't help but be changed through the process of reading His Word and applying it to our lives as the Lord leads.

Morning by morning, seek Him in every trial along the way. He will give you a "well-instructed" tongue and you'll be ready to share words of comfort with others.

You'll be able to regift the comfort that was gifted to you . . . and maybe soup, too.

Lord, thank You that You walk with us through every storm. We are grateful for the comfort You so graciously give. Thank You for Your Word that ministers to us in our time of need. Open my eyes to the needs of others and help me to comfort them with the comfort You've given me. In Jesus' name, Amen.