“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you GRACE and PEACE. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our MERCIFUL Father and the source OF ALL COMFORT (paraklēsis: a calling near, especially for help). He COMFORTS us in ALL our troubles so that we can COMFORT others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them THE SAME COMFORT God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:2-4)
So, how can we be used of God to do this? “…work out YOUR OWN salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who WORKS (energeō: be mighty, putting forth power) IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO for His GOOD PLEASURE.” (Philippians 2:12-13) God powerfully enables us with the DESIRE and the POWER to do His will so we can help others!
Therefore, “WHILE I LIVE, I will PRAISE the LORD; I will SING PRAISES to my God while I have MY BEING (‛ôd: continuance or persistence).” (Psalms 146:2) “As long as I have existence, I will offer praises to my God! Because The LORD OPENS the eyes of the blind; The LORD RAISES those who are bowed down; The LORD LOVES the righteous.” (Psalms 146:8) Jesus IDENTIFIES with our feelings, including OUR PERSONAL PAIN. By becoming human, Jesus experienced daily life as a baby, child, teenager, and man. In His ministry, in which He selflessly POURED HIMSELF OUT, he suffered embarrassment, humiliation, abandonment, betrayal, and rejection. HE KNOWS HOW IT FEELS to be emotionally and physically broken BY OTHER PEOPLE.
Because of this we must try to, “ALWAYS BE JOYFUL BECAUSE YOU BELONG TO THE LORD. I will say it again. Be joyful. Let everyone know how gentle you are. The Lord is coming soon. DON’T WORRY about anything. Instead, TELL GOD ABOUT EVERYTHING. ASK AND PRAY. GIVE THANKS TO HIM. Then GOD’S PEACE will watch over YOUR HEARTS and YOUR MINDS because YOU BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS (We are “joint heirs with Christ”). Then you will experience God’s peace, which EXCEEDS (huperechō: to be superior to) anything we can understand. His peace will GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS AS YOU LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham