Monday 23 February 2026

Psalm 1

Setting the context for this week
You may find it helpful to listen to this short introduction to Saint Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians that I have recorded before embarking on the journey of the studies that follow. Simply click on the link to listen.

Background
I guess that we have all had difficult experiences with others who have turned against us because of misunderstandings or because they hold opinions contrary to ours. These experiences can cause emotional hurt and damage relationships.

This was true of Saint Paul and the Christians in Corinth. At a critical moment following his first visit and the letter that followed (1 Corinthians), Saint Paul wrote a ‘tearful letter’ to which he refers in 2 Corinthians 2:4 and 7:8. This letter is long lost but it seems that it gave a strong context for 2 Corinthians, a letter which is peppered with words of reconciliation and hope, the first of which cries out from the passage before us today – consolation.

Paul is consoled by the Corinthians’ repentance and the Corinthians are consoled by God’s grace. Clearly this consolation has not been sudden and immediate, but has come about through a process of humble recognition and a willingness to turn afresh to Jesus Christ and his ways: "… if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering." (v. 6)

Whatever our experience, says Paul, the end result if we remain close to God in Christ, is our consolation. This is recognised by many Christian spiritual leaders and we find it rooted firmly in the Ignatian tradition where St Ignatius of Loyola speaks of spiritual consolation as "an interior movement that influences the soul with love for God."

So from St Paul to Ignatius to you and I: whatever we face, we can be consoled and comforted that we are not alone. God, by the Holy Spirit, comforts us by his very presence. So, be still and sense God’s presence as you need it today.

Listen:

‘It is well with my soul’

To Ponder:

• What challenges are you facing now?
• Who can you turn to for consolation and support?
• Be still and know that God is with you.

Prayer
Lord, you know me and all that I face and carry.
You see and understand my cares and concerns.
Hold me in your grace and grant me your peace.
Be my strength when I am weak and my comfort when I feel alone.
Thank you for your love, your hope and your presence. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Andy Fyall
The Revd Andy Fyall is Chair of the Nottingham and Derby Methodist District.