Comfort -able?

Are we comfort-able? Can we receive comfort from God?  In 2nd Corinthians (the heart of reproof, 1st Corinthians is the head of reproof), the first chapter opens with much to be said about the comfort of God. It is a beautiful section of scripture and drives home the compassion that God has for us. We know that grace is undeserved favor, power and abounding blessings. Mercies refer to God withholding punishment for what we do deserve as a result of the weaknesses in our lives.

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings (things to endure) of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual (active, efficient) in the enduring (remaining steadfast) of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. I Corinthians 1:3-6

Below is a list words used in this section from verse 3-6: (each color represents  the word being derived from the same Greek root)

mercies - God's deep feelings about someones's difficulty, compassion

comfort  -  a calling near or alongside of used 6x

consolation - counsel, comfort, help, advocate  used 3x

tribulation, trouble, afflicted - mental pressure, to be pushed into a narrow strait

salvation - wholeness (mentally, physically, spiritually), deliverance

Several years ago, when I would pray, I would pray specifically for a certain outcome. I would prescribe to God how something should work out. I would even use a list. In later years, through experience, I learned how limiting this can be. Many times now I just pray, especially in complex situations and challenges, for God's outcomes for everything and everyone involved. God has better answers for our prayers than we do.  Putting one foot in front of another, taking one day at a time, keeping thankfulness and patience in our hearts and staying away from negative influences and events is how we keep above the fray and not limit God. God's 'coming alongside' us means we want to stay alongside and not wander off.

We, as believers need to recognize how much God loves us so that we do look to him for our comfort, consolation and salvation.  The clearer the perception of God we have, the more we allow him to work in our lives. Our relationship with God is based on our trust in him.