The verse is a benediction, and a paean of praise as well! Plus a glorious Statement of fact! And has been to many hearts “tons” of encouragement!

And today it is our focus, our Lesson.

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation ….” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God the Father “comforts” us?

In ALL our trials?

Seems the Bible answer is YES!

The verb  “comfort” used here is the Greek word “parakaleo.” But significantly it is used here of Father God! It loosely means “One Who is called to come alongside you and strengthen you in times of weakness, in your times of great need!”

And to me this morning the astounding thing about our Text is that the “parakletos” family of words is also used of the other Members of the Godhead!

Jesus loved to call the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the “Comforter!” He did so in fact in John 14:16 and John 14:26 and John 15:26 and again in John 16:7. Wow! And the noun used each time is “parakeltos.” The Holy Spirit then is “The One called to come alongside you and strengthen you in times of weakness, in your times of great need!”

But John the Disciple, the Apostle, calls Jesus Himself our “Advocate,” using “parakletos” once more! “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (comforter) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1

Jesus then also is “One Who is called to come alongside you and strengthen you in times of weakness, in your times of great need?” Yes indeed!

This is astounding!

I am being told that when I endure any kind of “tribulation” (in Greek “thlipsis” meaning “trouble, anguish, affliction, burdens, troubles”) not only is the Holy Spirit with me!

But so is God the Son!

And so is God the Father!

As if the Very Godhead knows when I am hurting!

He does!

To which I can only say, “Glory!”

The Godhead in communion within me as I “hurt” from the issues of life!

Unheard of!

But … Biblically TRUE!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Now if this does not encourage you … friend in Christ, you may be unencourageable!