Right in the middle of the Bible is a marvelous chapter in the Book of Isaiah. That chapter opens “’Comfort, comfort my people,’ says your God.” [40:1 NLT]
Comfort. Assistance or support, consolation in time of worry or trouble, cheer, relief or encouragement, solace, compassion, and pity, it doesn’t seem to matter whether it is a Hebrew word, a Greek word, or an English word, comfort is the same in any language.
I have often heard the phrase in church that “God doesn’t let us get too comfortable.” When I think of the definition of the word comfort, I’m not so sure that’s true. Instead, I think the phrase should be “God doesn’t let us get complacent.” God doesn’t want us self-satisfied or smug, but I truly believe God wants us comforted.
When God told Isaiah the prophet to “Comfort, comfort my people,” it was right after Hezekiah had received envoys from the king of Babylon. During that visit Hezekiah had shown these envoys all the wealth of his kingdom and when questioned by the prophet Isaiah, Hezekiah had admitted “They saw everything … I showed them everything I own—all my royal treasuries.” [39:4-6 NLT]
In response the prophet told Hezekiah that the time was coming when everything of value, even the king’s descendants, would be carried off to the evil, idolatrous nation of Babylon as punishment for Israel’s sins. Yet, the words of doom are barely out of his mouth when God begins to bring words of comfort. Over the next few days, I want to look at Isaiah’s words of comfort found in Chapter 40.
I will honestly admit that I need God’s comfort every day.
