...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,

and not only by his coming

but also by the comfort

with which he was

         comforted by you...

              2 Corninthians 7. 5-7

(The key words in this passage are

            "But God."

Don't leave God

            out of the equation.

He is already here.

And the grace and encouragement

    we extend to others

gets all over everyone.

No expiration date.

It always carries on and rises up

   to bless those

           we do not even know.)

O LORD,

You are working far deeper

   than we can comprehend,

not just in times of palpable blessing

   but even when

   we walk in the shadows.

Help us to realize

   and grasp with both hands

                Your Presence.

Comfort our hearts

  and empower us with Your love

  to comfort others

       and point them to You.