To be comforted is to be put at ease, to be relieved of the pain, agitation, or stress that is causing discomfort. That is why Peter wrote to these believers. Yes, he wanted to instruct them on how to live, but it is his words of comfort and hope that would help them to take their eyes off of themselves and their difficulties and put them on Jesus. Focusing on my “must do” and my “why me?” lists dig me into a black hole while reminding myself that the Lord is good, that He cares for me, that He has promised to “restore me and make me strong” and that He has the power through His Holy Spirit do this keeps me grateful and “full of hope”. Thank you, Lord, that you have invited me to “cast my anxieties – all of them” on you.
