When Comfort Enters the Struggle
photo by @courtneymcook
“For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.”
The Apostle Paul was exhausted from a long grueling journey when his body had no rest. I don’t know about you, but when I do not get rest over a long period of time, I get crabby. My thoughts are fuzzy, and every muscle aches. I cannot say a hundred percent that Paul experienced all that. I will say he probably did since, he was human.
“For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest,”
If that wasn’t enough, difficulties of life pressed down on him from every side. It seemed he went from struggle to struggle, even though he was a person of strong faith. He even admitted that fear had gripped his insides.
“we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within.”
Thankfully, the story does not stop there. Paul goes on to talk about his having been comforted by God Who comforts the depressed. (inferring that Paul had been depressed.)
How did God provide some of that comfort when Paul was physically wiped out, struggling with fear, and low in depression? It arrived through the coming of Titus. You heard that right! God provided much needed help through an ordinary man who came. He just came. And offered his care through being present with Paul, when Paul was hurting.
“But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;”
As is the case most often, Titus was able to offer Paul comfort because he had also been comforted by others. Titus encouraged Paul with reminders that there were still people who appreciated his life and ministry.
“and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.”
The Apostle Paul spoke openly about his struggles during this season of enduring faith. He experienced joyful comfort through Titus, and through reminders that people were concerned about his state of being.
Dear Reader, never underestimate the transformative power of presence. Consider opening your heart to receive care from the Lord’s presence, sometimes found in others.
Father in Heaven, I lift up the person who is reading now. Is there anywhere inside them that hurts, or is discouraged, or maybe lonely or depressed? If so, please give them extra grace from Your comforting presence. Please provide opportunities for conversation and connection with others who care. Remind them that their life is not in vain, and even in hardship, their life makes a difference. Encourage, support, and strengthen them today. Amen
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”