Isaiah 40:1–11
Comfort, comfort My people, says your God. – Isaiah 40:1
Click to read passage
When we are going through a hard time, someone may say, “Don’t worry, things will get better.” We know they mean well, but their words may not bring much comfort.
A student worries about exams. A parent worries about how their child is doing in school. Someone is struggling at work. Someone else has been ill for a long time, with no sign of getting better. It is hard to take in words of comfort when nothing has changed. We feel troubled and worn out, wondering how much longer we can keep going.
The words of comfort in Isaiah 40 were spoken to people who were about to face exile. They had turned away from God and now faced His judgment. Their homes would be destroyed, and the life they knew would be gone. As they thought about what lay ahead, they may have wondered, “Does God still care for us?”
In this situation, God said, “Comfort, comfort my people.” He still called them “my people”. He promised to come Himself and lead them out of exile.
Our lives are like grass, green today but perhaps withered tomorrow. God’s word, however, stands forever. He is faithful, and we can trust His promise to comfort us. He has the power to save, and He will not turn away from us because we are weak. Isaiah describes God as a shepherd who gathers lambs in His arms and gently leads the mother sheep with their young.
When we are going through a hard time, words of comfort can be difficult to take in. We look at our situation and wonder whether God still cares. We may have prayed for a long time, but when nothing seems to change, we begin to think He has left us. Many years later, John the Baptist quoted this passage as he prepared the way for Jesus. Jesus came into the world, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again so that we could be reconciled to God. He has loved us in this way. We can trust that He will not leave us.
Perhaps we still have no answers today. We can tell the Lord honestly that we are afraid and tired, and ask Him to guide us through this day. Someone near us may also find it hard to hear words of comfort. We could sit with them, listen to what is on their heart, give them a hug, or pray with them. God can work through us to help them know they are not alone.
Reflection:
Where do you need to hear God’s comfort today? How could you be there for someone who needs comfort?
Prayer:
Loving God, forgive us for our unbelief. When our troubles go on and nothing seems to change, we wonder if you have left us and whether you still care. Thank you for understanding our weakness and for sending Jesus to live among us. Through Him, we know you have not abandoned us. Lord, help us through this day. Give us compassionate hearts to listen to and care for those who need comfort, so that they too may know you are with them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Click to read passage
When we are going through a hard time, someone may say, “Don’t worry, things will get better.” We know they mean well, but their words may not bring much comfort.
A student worries about exams. A parent worries about how their child is doing in school. Someone is struggling at work. Someone else has been ill for a long time, with no sign of getting better. It is hard to take in words of comfort when nothing has changed. We feel troubled and worn out, wondering how much longer we can keep going.
The words of comfort in Isaiah 40 were spoken to people who were about to face exile. They had turned away from God and now faced His judgment. Their homes would be destroyed, and the life they knew would be gone. As they thought about what lay ahead, they may have wondered, “Does God still care for us?”
In this situation, God said, “Comfort, comfort my people.” He still called them “my people”. He promised to come Himself and lead them out of exile.
Our lives are like grass, green today but perhaps withered tomorrow. God’s word, however, stands forever. He is faithful, and we can trust His promise to comfort us. He has the power to save, and He will not turn away from us because we are weak. Isaiah describes God as a shepherd who gathers lambs in His arms and gently leads the mother sheep with their young.
When we are going through a hard time, words of comfort can be difficult to take in. We look at our situation and wonder whether God still cares. We may have prayed for a long time, but when nothing seems to change, we begin to think He has left us. Many years later, John the Baptist quoted this passage as he prepared the way for Jesus. Jesus came into the world, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again so that we could be reconciled to God. He has loved us in this way. We can trust that He will not leave us.
Perhaps we still have no answers today. We can tell the Lord honestly that we are afraid and tired, and ask Him to guide us through this day. Someone near us may also find it hard to hear words of comfort. We could sit with them, listen to what is on their heart, give them a hug, or pray with them. God can work through us to help them know they are not alone.
Reflection:
Where do you need to hear God’s comfort today? How could you be there for someone who needs comfort?
Prayer:
Loving God, forgive us for our unbelief. When our troubles go on and nothing seems to change, we wonder if you have left us and whether you still care. Thank you for understanding our weakness and for sending Jesus to live among us. Through Him, we know you have not abandoned us. Lord, help us through this day. Give us compassionate hearts to listen to and care for those who need comfort, so that they too may know you are with them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.