A voice says, "Call out." Then he answered, "What shall I call out?" All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:6-8)
The Source of Comfort (6-8)
When the heart is prepared, comfort can be accepted. To accept God's comfort is to bring it into your present situation and let it quiet your soul. What choices did the exiles have when they heard the message of comfort? In every life situation we have three choices in seeking comfort.
1. Trust In Our Ways - Proverbs 3:5-8 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
Restlessness that stems from trusting in ourselves plagues us. Why? Because we know our weaknesses and that we are still vulnerable. Our continual seeking for security in ourselves looks is much like the grass that withers and soon fades away with no comfort to be found.
2. Wallow In Doubt & Despair - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
To doubt God is to find no comfort in God. Doubt and despair ruin lives which refuse to accept the God of all comfort. Doubt brings fear, not hope and security.
3. Believe the Promise of God's Word - Jeremiah 31:13 Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Comfort is found in God and His promises recorded in His Word. Remember 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
"God may not act when we want Him to act or in the way we expect Him to act,
but God's word is true and His promises will come to pass in His own time and way."
but God's word is true and His promises will come to pass in His own time and way."
In contrast to man's feeble attempts of securing comfort, God's Word stands as that beacon shining into the darkest night, giving light as a hope of making it home. God's Word is going to accomplish the act of comfort in someone's life today. Is your heart prepared and accepting of God's comfort?
Scripture to Claim:
Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
