For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus… 2 Corinthians 7:5-6
Most gracious and kind Father, this brief vignette from Paul’s life comes to me today like a well-timed kiss from heaven… like a call from the right friend when you least expected it but most needed it… like the first sign of daylight after a starless night.
First of all, Father, I praise you for chronicling Paul’s experience of being restless, conflicted, fearful and downcast. I still suffer at times from “should-ness”. If I really loved you… if I was more full of the Holy Spirit… if I truly got the gospel, I should never feel downcast. I should only feel upbeat, on “top of my game,” and happy.
It’s so good to know the gospel doesn’t make me less human, simply more yours. Thank you for being a Father who doesn’t shame the downcast… you pursue them, you provide for them, you comfort them… you comfort me.
As I begin this day, I feel like I’m swimming in a pool of baby piranha… no big sharks like Paul was dealing with… just small piranha nibbling at my spirit. I’m surrounded by a lot of little decisions… a lot of little needs… a lot of small conflicts… a lot of little unfinished projects… a lot of little things over which I have absolutely no control… the combination of which is weighing me down.
I’ll not fight the piranha, I’ll just look for you. Indeed, Father, it’s so good to know you’re running towards me in the gospel right now, not with a furrowed brow but with a compassionate merciful heart. And as you comfort me, I will seek to be a Titus for others. What a privilege it is to comfort others with the very comfort you bring to us in all our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3). So very Amen, I pray in Jesus’ name with great anticipation.
