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, this passage is timely and encouraging. Thank you for comforting us when we’re downcast. You don’t deride us, chide us, or hide from us—you comfort us. You’re “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). When, like Paul, we’re fearful and downcast, we don’t have to “buck up” in your presence. We get to “buck down,” for grace runs downhill.
And thank you for the comforters you send. Though you’re quite capable of sending ravens and rainbows, you’re preferred method is to send us to each other—as conduits of your grace, kindness, and burden-bearing love. Titus encouraged Paul at just the right time. Thank you for doing the same for us, and through us.
Father, make us sensitive to your Spirit’s prompting, and the needs of those around us. And help us be honest about our own “downcast-ness.” The emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual challenges of the past six months keep adding up.
Who needs some “face time,” or even FaceTime, from fellow weary travelers, like ourselves? To check in on each other requires so little, yet provides so much. We’re grateful your steadfast love will never cease (Lam. 3:22), but this virus will. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ awesome name.