For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest,
but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Cor. 7:5–6
Gracious Father, the little vignettes in the Scriptures are often as profound as the big promises. I’m grateful for this snapshot of the Apostle Paul needing and receiving encouragement from a friend. For I too am feeling a tad on the blahs-and-blues side of things.
Thank you for reminding us that even your most faithful servants—those who know you so well, those who grasp the Gospel a zillion times better than us—even these saints experience restlessness and weariness.
It’s easy to default to “Performancism” and “spiritual-giant” syndrome.” If we just prayed enough, believed enough, or were filled with the Spirit enough, we’d skip right through this everything-normal shattering pandemic.
Thank you for comforting us when we’re “bugged,” disgruntled, and conflicted. You don’t deride, chide, or hide from us. You comfort us. You’re “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). Even when we fall (or jump) into self-pity, you don’t condemn us. You woo us back to Gospel sanity.
And thank you for the comforters you send us. Though you’re quite capable of sending neon rainbows, little cherubs, or ravens to feed us; more often you send a Titus (2 Cor. 7:6), or a Phoebe (Rom. 16:1). You love to show your kindness for your kids through your kids. Velveteen Rabbits make better comforters than Tigger the Tigers, so keep us gentle and kind.
By the Holy Spirit, point us to other weary travelers who need a listening heart, a gentle word of comfort, and a non-anxious presence. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ compassionate and trustworthy name.
