¹ “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.

² “Speak kindly to Jerusalem; And call out to her, that her warfare has ended, That her iniquity has been removed, That she has received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.” (Isaiah 40:1-2)

  Comfort is a transliteration of the Hebrew word Nacham used in Isaiah 40:1. It also means ‘console, have compassion, moved to pity.’  Isaiah 40 begins with God’s command of releasing His compassion to the Israelite nation. If we read all the verses in Isaiah 40, we find different types of consolation. We find comfort in His word (v. 8), in His ways of shepherding His people (v. 11), in His wisdom and mystery (v. 13), placing our hope in the Lord (v. 31), and especially in Himself (v. 28).

TMEC, we face a period we need comforting from. We look at the empty seats, wonder when they will be filled, and ask, “What kind of believers will occupy those seats?” Also, we face family and personal problems that we keep only to ourselves. Behold, God is our Comforter! Remember the gentle and wise ways of God in His church, in your family, in your personal life. God the Holy Spirit is the ‘Parakletos’ – our Comforter, Advocate, and Helper. The Lord is helping and fighting the battles for us. As the Lord commanded to release aid to the needy Israelites, so He sent the Holy Spirit, the Comforter of His Bride and Body—the Church.

The Sovereign Lord faithfully outpours His compassion in many unique ways from the beginning of time to this day. We need not look further to be healed and restored. Look to the Lord because He is and He has the comfort we need. Today, may we see more of God’s ways – His loving and tender mercies.

  God of all, we thank You for comforting Your church, TMEC. Thank You, our Parakletos, for filling us up each day. LORD, we also ask for deliverance, help, and clarity to come with Your consoling words and presence. Your church need Your help, oh God! Restore the fortunes of Your people – come to our aid, hasten, and do not delay. In the mighty and powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

><(((‘> ct/2017 <‘)))><