Comfort in God's Sovereign Providence in Times of Suffering

The concept of finding comfort in God's sovereign providence during times of suffering is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a cornerstone of Christian theology across various traditions. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4, "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" ^[1]. This verse establishes that God is the source of comfort for believers amidst their sufferings.

The biblical basis for comfort in God's providence is multifaceted. It begins with the understanding that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, governing all things by His providence ^[4]. This doctrine of providence encompasses God's foresight, preservation, and governance over all creation, including the natural world, the brute creation, and human affairs. The Psalmist affirms this, stating that God's providence extends to the affairs of men and individuals (Psalm 47:7; 1 Samuel 2:6) ^[4].

In times of suffering, believers find comfort in the knowledge that their experiences are not outside God's sovereign control. The sufferings of Christ and the comfort available through Him are closely linked, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:5, "For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ" ^[2]. This connection between suffering and comfort is a recurring theme in Christian theology, emphasizing that believers are not alone in their trials.

The comfort derived from God's providence is not limited to the alleviation of suffering but also includes the strengthening and preservation of believers during their trials. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists numerous biblical references that affirm God's role in comforting, preserving, and delivering His people ^[3]. For instance, Psalm 34:20 states that God preserves the righteous, and Jesus promises to comfort believers (Matthew 5:4; John 14:1) ^[3].

Different Christian traditions have interpreted and articulated the concept of comfort in God's providence in various ways. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, emphasizes the role of divine consolation in the lives of believers, highlighting the importance of scripture and the sacraments in experiencing this comfort ^[6]. Protestant academics, such as those contributing to the Tyndale House commentary series, focus on the biblical teachings regarding suffering and comfort, emphasizing that believers are not surprised by trials but are equipped by their faith to face them (1 Peter 4:12) ^[5].

The Puritan tradition, exemplified by Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah, underscores the promises made to the church in times of distress, emphasizing God's love and restoration ^[8]. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as seen in John Gill's commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:4 and Psalms 119:48, highlights the role of God's word in comforting believers during affliction, pointing out that the scripture is a source of comfort and quickening for those suffering ^{[7, 9]}.

The historical development of this doctrine is closely tied to the understanding of God's sovereignty and the nature of suffering. The early Christian church, facing persecution and hardship, found solace in the teachings of Christ and the apostles regarding the purpose and outcome of suffering. The Reformation and subsequent theological developments further clarified the role of providence in the lives of believers, emphasizing both God's sovereignty over all events and the believer's comfort in that sovereignty.

Sources

King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 1:4 — 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.”
2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 1:5 (NASB) — For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Providence — Literally means foresight, but is generally used to denote God's preserving and governing all things by means of second causes (Ps. 18:35; 63:8; Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3). God's providence extends to the natural world (Ps. 104:14; 135:5-7; Acts 14:17), the brute creation (Ps. 104:21-29; Matt. 6:26; 10:29), and the affairs of men (1 Chr. 16:31; Ps. 47:7; Prov. 21:1; Job 12:23; Dan. 2:21; 4:25), and of individuals (1 Sam. 2:6; Ps. 18:30; Luke 1:53; James 4:13-15). It extends also to the free actions of men (Ex. 12:36; 1 Sam. 24:9-15; Ps. 33:14, 15; ”
1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 13:17 13:23 James 1:6 2:13 2:19 2:26 3:11 4:3 1 Peter 1:3 1:12 2:13 2:21 2:21 2:22 2:22 2:22 5:5 5:8 5:8 5:8 2 Peter 2:4 3:13 1 John 2:9 3:2 3:8 4:8 Revelation 1 1:4 1:9 1:11 1:16 1:20 2 3 3:12 14:1 14:4 14:13 15:6 20:9 22:16 Tobit 12:9 Wisdom of Solomon 1:4 1:14 11:23 11:24 14:16 Sirach 2:2 2:2 2:4 2:10 2:11 2:27 3:10-12 3:11 5:6 6:14 6:16 6:34 7:6 7:31 9:13 9:15 10:9 10:12-13 11:1 11:2 11:3 11:3 11:4 11:15 11:28 12:13 13:15 14:9 15:9 16:3 18:13 18:13 19:14-15 20:20 21:2 22:21-22 23:17 23:17 25:1 25:1 25:11 26:27 28:6 31:1 32:10”
2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 1:4: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,.... The apostle in this verse gives a reason of the former thanksgiving, and at the same time confirms the above character of God, as "the God of all comfort", by his own experience, and that of his fellow ministers; who, though they had been in great tribulation and affliction for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel, yet were not left destitute of divine help and support under their trials; but had much consolation and sweet refreshment administered to them by the presence of God with them, the application of his promise”
Isaiah (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Isaiah 54:11: Very precious promises are here made to the church in her low condition, that God would not only continue his love to his people under their troubles as before, but that he would restore them to their former prosperity, nay, that he would raise them to greater prosperity than any they had yet enjoyed. In the foregoing chapter we had the humiliation and exaltation of Christ; here we have the humiliation and exaltation of the church; for, if we suffer with him, we shall reign with him. Observe, I. The distressed state the church is here reduced to by the providence”
Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:48: This is my comfort in my affliction,.... David had his afflictions, and so has every good man; none are without; it is the will and pleasure of God that so it should be; and many are their afflictions, inward and outward: the word of God is often their comfort under them, the written word, heard or read; and especially a word of promise, powerfully applied: this is putting underneath everlasting arms, and making their bed in sickness. This either respects what goes before, concerning the word of promise hoped in, or what follows: for thy word hath quickened me; no”

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