It is comforting to have loving friends and family who manifest their love and care in so many ways. Where would I have been without those who really care? But our great source of comfort is in verse 5 of our text. "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." Our Lord Himself has been there. (Matt. 8:17). Since he has felt the very pain that we endure, it is certain he sympathizes with us (Heb. 4:15). The lord Himself is our nurse who makes our bed comfortable (Ps. 4:3 "Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.") The word make is turns. He turns us on our bed.
Infirmity has benefits. We are made to see the vanity of all earthly things. There is no real value in anything on this earth. We do not learn this in the easy school of good health and prosperity. Another benefit is that when we hurt we are more sympathetic toward those who hurt. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2).
By infirmity, whether physical or emotional, we are made to see that Christ is ALL. Truly He is all my hope, all my righteousness all my acceptance before the holy God. "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee" (Ps. 73:25).
Take your cares to the Lord for He does care for you (I Peter 5:7). Listen to His Word in the assembly of the saints. His Word heals. "This is my COMFORT in affliction: for thy word has quickened me" (Ps. 119:50). It is a great mystery why folks forsake the assembly in hard times, of course unless of real illness. Remember, soon He shall wipe away all vestige of infirmity (Rev. 21:4 "And there shall be no more- - - -.") YES NO MORE!