Last week may very well have been the most difficult week of my life. Early on Wednesday morning, my only sister passed away after a lengthy illness. That same morning, Maple, my sweet dog and faithful companion of many years, was also sick. By Friday she hadn’t recovered, so we took her to the emergency vet. She had the same serious illness that took my sister. So for a second time that week, I had to say goodbye to someone I love. The following night I spent hugging the toilet bowl, doing what they used to delicately call, “casting up my accounts.” Thankfully, it was not Covid, more likely just my body’s reaction to grief.

A few days have passed, and though I still grieve, I’ve been thinking about our heavenly Father, and this passage:
Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians, 1:3-4 (AMP)*
A small but powerful word
Have you ever noticed the word “all” in this verse? He is the God of ALL comfort. This is the Greek word “pas” which means every part that applies. It has the sense of many parts making up one all-encompassing whole. He is the God of ALL comfort. It doesn’t matter what’s before you today–what illness, loss, trauma, or pain you face. His comfort applies to every bit of your troubles. There’s not a single corner of your pain that His love can’t reach.
Perhaps like me, your anguish feels bigger than His comfort right now. He understands that too. He is the God who created us. He gave us emotions and is well aware of how they impact us when the waters are rough. But whether you “feel” his presence or not, you can absolutely trust that He IS there. And that in itself brings comfort. He knows our pain. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that He “sympathizes” with our weaknesses. It’s popular for people to say, “I feel you” when they understand what you’re going through. Our Father “feels” us. He gets us. Our pain is His pain in that sense. And He promises to bring comfort in the midst of our sorrow.
I don’t know what pain might be pressing in on you today, but whatever it is, remember that His love, care, kindness, and compassion is all-encompassing. Stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and let the Father touch your soul with His love. And know that once your anguish subsides, God will use your story to bless someone else who’s in pain.
Let’s encourage each other
If you’re hurting today, leave me a note. I’m here to pray for you and encourage you. Let’s draw on God’s inexhaustible well of comfort together.
I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.
Mother Teresa
*Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved www.lockman.org
Such truth. When my folks passed away I felt His comfort so profoundly and found his promise to be near the broken-hearted to be really trustworthy. I’m so sorry for the loss of your treasured pup and your sister. That just seems like too much to bear.
Thanks Marcia – Your parents were so special! I know you must miss them every day. Thankfully we’ll see them again, and meanwhile, I’m grateful for the Holy Spirit, who is always with us, loving, nurturing, and comforting.
Hi Sissy
Just want to say we are so sorry for your losses
in these last few days
We pray the like you say
The God of all comfort will be so close to toy you
You are so special to us and we feel so close to you at this time
We send our love to you
Love Wally and Chris xx
Thank you Wally and Chris for your faithful love and prayers.
Oh Tamara, I’m so sorry for all the pain of the losses you have had to bear in the past week! I also ask God to give you glimpses of the joy your sister is experiencing in her heavenly home. Maybe, just maybe, Maple is staying with her until you eventually join them. I love to imagine what great things God has prepared for those who love Him. May He fill your heart with precious memories as you heal. Sending love your way. 💕
Thanks Gayle. I love your thought about Maple and my sister – and I’m right with you – even the best things that we can imagine will surely pale in comparison to the joy God has prepared for those who trust in His Son.
Been praying for you and your brother and sister’s children. So sorry for the loss of your sister and your dog. Hang in there. May the Lord comfort you. Lots of love, Ginger
Thank you so much Ginger. I’m truly grateful for your prayers!
I am so sorry to hear about the losses Tam:(
Our Dad who is also the God of all comforts covers you with His embrace- as you grieve!
Praying for you 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank you so much Hepzi. My apologies for the late response….this somehow got lost in the shuffle of my brain 🙂