Blankets and Comforters

        Have you ever wondered how some things got their names?  We have many different kinds of blankets in our home.  At first, I just thought that a blanket was a blanket.  Obviously, there is the size difference making them anywhere between twin and king size.  But, there are other differences.  We have some that are meant for just your lap while sitting in the Lazy Boy and then we have some that are called "quilts' denoting how they are made.  We also have horse blankets which describe where they are going to be put.   Then, there is that one that is called a "comforter."  I really don't know where the comforter came from but since it is rather bulky and soft, I presume that it is a blanket in which you could curl up and be protected from the cold outside.  It makes one feel comfortable.  The Apostle Paul was concerned about the state of the church at Thessalonica.  He wanted to know how things were going and was fearful that they had run into trouble.  He waited as long as he could and then finally sent Timothy to Thessalonica to learn how things were going.  The trip was not only a fact finding trip for the Apostole Paul.  He also wanted Timothy to do two things.  He wanted the Thessalonians to be established and he wanted them to be comforted.  First Thessalonians 3:1-2 says, "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:" 
        Paul used this word eight different times in this short epistle.  It is a word that it used quite often in the Bible and is almost always connected with the strengthening of our faith.  What is it in this life that will take care of us like the comforter that we put on our bed?  What will keep us at peace?  It is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  We soon find that the Scriptures are what gives us the comfort that we need.  In the Gospel of John, we find mention of a comforter.  It is not the word "to comfort" but it is the word which denotes He who is doing the comforting.  The Holy Spirit works in our life by the strengthening of our faith and then we are comforted.  it doesn't make any difference what is going on in the world.  it doesn't make any difference how things are in your life.  Comfort is always available to you through the working of the Holy Spirit.  You will find that meditation upon the things of God will do wonders in the light of your present struggles.  Your faith will be strengthened as your mind races over the various promises that God has given to you through His Word.  So, don't be left out in the cold spiritually speaking today when you have "The Comforter" right with you at all times.  Praise God for His protection and strength today.