4 He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble. We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God. 5 That is because we receive so much comfort through Christ in the same way that we share so many of Christ’s sufferings.
Reflection
Gratitude for the small blessings in life is what keeps me going day-to-day. Larger blessings like promotions, the birth of a child, or graduation may be rare, but life is full of small blessings that can fuel our spiritual batteries. While we may often encounter difficult situations in this troubled world, and although they may be harder to find or focus on, there are plentiful opportunities to energize ourselves through appreciating the small things.
I remember coming to MUMC for the first time years ago, feeling shy and vulnerable because of previous non-MUMC experiences. Walking up to the Family Life Center, I vividly recall seeing a family unit that greatly resembled mine, and it brought me comfort even though we never spoke a word to one another; their presence was enough to inspire the confidence that I belong. It was a quiet but powerful blessing!
It’s in these small moments that we find community and belonging which help to sustain our spirit. All it may take is a smile from a stranger, a laugh shared with a colleague, or bread broken in reconciliation with a friend. These moments and the gratitude we show for them reinvigorate us and allow us to see God’s mighty hands at work in our lives.
Let us strive to bring comfort to those in need, as we are comforted by God in our own communities. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 (CEB), “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
by Thomas Hoskinson
For Pondering and Prayer
When was the last instance you carved out time to write a list of things for which you’re grateful? Consider starting a list or gratitude journal now, and visit it often to add more items and reflect on those already recorded. For these wonderful things that invigorate us and help us to navigate safely through hard times, let us give thanks.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the small blessings that fill our lives. Let us never forget their importance or the sustaining energy that they provide to us. We know with confidence that You are the source of all blessings and good things, and You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory forever! Amen.
