Scripture

2 Corinthians 1:3b-4a, 6 NLT

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.…Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.

Consider

Discipleship is not a solitary endeavor. In fact, the body of Christ defines itself by its network of associations—the believer with another believer, the believer with God, the congregation of believers with one another and with God, believers witnessing to nonbelievers who need to know God. We are wired for connection, and we don’t function well when our connections with God and other people are damaged.

This need for connection is never more vital than in circumstances when we feel betrayed, discouraged, or persecuted. At such times, Paul says, we must have a strong connection with God and with other believers, or our suffering will produce nothing good. God knows we will face troubles in this world and is prepared not only to comfort us but to equip us for comforting others as well.

Troubles test our faith. Although we may be tempted to turn away from God in our disappointment and frustration, the Bible gives us models for dealing with our anger and pain by staying firmly connected with God. Lament psalms, such as Psalm 13 and Psalm 22, encourage us to cry out to God, to name our complaints and give voice to everything we feel. We may think ourselves faithless to show anger to God, but the opposite is true: God honors and builds our faith when we present our hearts in all honesty before him.

The lament psalms illustrate how God gives comfort and builds trust until the psalmist turns his complaints into praises and thanksgiving. This is the crucial point at which the believer’s suffering bears fruit that can comfort and encourage others who suffer in the same way. Paul says that God comforts us so that we can comfort others. If we stay firmly connected with God and with others, our suffering transcends our circumstances and becomes a spiritual testimony of God’s faithfulness and grace in our lives.

Pray

FATHER, when I am angry or frightened or discouraged, hold me fast and don’t let me wander off on my own. Help me to lay my honest complaints and doubts before you so that you can build my faith and teach me to trust you. Give me courage to share my testimony with others who need the comfort that you give me.

Reflect

Psalm 55; John 16:33; Romans 12:12

Ponder

What Christian practices might help me to stay connected with God during times of suffering?