Comfort is often what we long for.  The comfort of a friend or family member, the comfort offered by an encouraging word, a deed done with kindness, an uplifting conversation, a visit, or a gracious touch are all welcome. Much about life is uncomfortable, especially during these days, as we seek to do life in a different way. To be offered comfort is a gift.

It was comfort that was extended to God’s people. The words, “Comfort, comfort my people” (Isaiah 40:1) were words that were given “to stir up the hearts of the Godly that they might not faint, amidst heavy calamities” (Calvin). In some parts of the world there are heavy calamities.  Many of us live with what might be minor, yet real concerns. Wherever we are on the spectrum, we find ourselves open to hearing the words, ‘Comfort my people.”

Comfort for God’s people would come from only one source, and understanding this comfort is given through an illustration.  The illustration is that, ‘grass withers and flowers fall’ (Isaiah 40:8), and “all people are like grass and their faithfulness (constancy, beauty, love) is like the flowers of the field” (6). In other words, Isaiah is telling God’s people that comfort will not come from what they have or who they are.  Wisdom and competencies, knowledge and progress, even when it appears as superior to what others may own or have is soon lusterless – flowers fall. Our frailty is no match for the day. We can only offer false and faltering comfort when it comes to facing the calamities around.

“Comfort, comfort my people!” – God’s Word stands firm (8). 

“Comfort, comfort my people!” – Good news is here! (9). 

“Comfort, comfort my people!” – Don’t be afraid (9).

“Comfort, comfort my people!” – God comes with might! (10).

“Comfort, comfort my people!” – ‘Like a shepherd God will care for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms” (11).

“Comfort, comfort my people!” – the Lord is a magnificent creator and all wise, not needing counsel and knowing the right way (12-14).

A question is then asked, and we are invited to respond “With whom will you compare me?”...“I sit enthroned above the circle of the earth and its people are like grasshoppers” (22).  This is another significant illustration. We are falling flowers and small as grasshoppers. But God? God is great and he is good news.  I sense the greater question asked is ‘Why would you go elsewhere for comfort?”

The God of all, is enthroned over all, yet comes near to us as our salvation.  He offers to us the gospel of Good News which is our chief comfort.  Salvation is about a God who has offered us himself, cheering mourners, raising the distressed and downcast, giving sight and stability, hope and fresh vision, through a relationship with him. Salvation is not sought from ourselves but rather from the grace of God.  Ultimate comfort comes from the one is who is called Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us,’ who is Jesus. 

And now, because of what has been shared, my prayer today for you is “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word (2 Thess. 2:16-17).

Sing/say these words with me and be reminded of their truth.

264:  Shout to the Lord

My Jesus, my Savior
Lord there is none like you
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands
Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In YOU

Together we pray words of scripture:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God”  (2 Corinthians 1:3).  AMEN.

“Grass withers and flowers fade but the word of our God endures forever.”  Isaiah 40:7

With care and in prayer,