The God of Comfort

“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus…” 2 Cor 7:6

Notice with me first that God’s people can and do become downcast. The Apostle Paul is the author of this verse, and here we find him speaking of being in need of comfort. Paul was a Spirit-filled man who was being mightily used of God, yet he knew what it was to be downcast and discouraged. The Psalmist also knew this discouragement of soul, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (Ps. 42:5) Believers great and small know this downcastness of the soul.

Secondly, notice the great compassion and condescension of God in the words,“God, who comforts the downcast.” Kings, people in power, and individuals of influence don’t ordinarily like to be bothered and disturbed by those who are downcast. They don’t want the negativity or unhappiness to upset their “happy” world. But this is not true of our glorious God! “He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Ps 34:18) He comforts the downcast.
Lastly, we notice that often times God comforts his downcast people through the presence and encouragement of our fellow brothers and sisters. “But God…comforted us by the coming of Titus.”  Titus was God’s instrument of comfort to the Apostle. We are reminded once again that we need one another, and that God uses us as answers to prayer in the care and comfort of those in need.

If you are cast down today, hope in God. He sees and hears and knows and“comforts the downcast.” Notice the blessing of God to you through others.

And, let us be ready, by our presence and encouragement, to be God’s instrument of comfort to brothers and sisters in need.