Day 206 God’s Comfort

Today’s Tasting: Isaiah 40–43 (NKJV): The words of the prophet Isaiah serve to comfort God’s people: “‘Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ says your God” (40:1). Isaiah 40 and 41 tell of the Lord’s power revealed in His creation:

“The glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

And all flesh shall see it together;

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (40:5).

“Lift up your eyes on high,

And see who has created these things.

Who brings out their host by number;

He calls them all by name,

By the greatness of His might

And the strength of His power;

Not one is missing” (40:26).

God’s people have the assurance that the God of creation is with them:

“Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (41:10).

Chapters 42 and 43 describe Jesus, the Servant of the Lord and the redeemer of Israel:

“‘Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,

My Elect One, in whom My soul delights!

I have put My Spirit upon Him;

He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles’” (42:1).

Today’s Nourishment: These chapters of Isaiah contain some of my very favorite Scriptures, and I’d like to share a few of them that I have highlighted in my Bible. Although I own different translations, I have used the same Bible for my personal devotions for the last fifteen years, and it goes everywhere with me so I can quickly locate the highlighted passages that I have clung to and prayed aloud as God’s unfailing promises to me. They have comforted me through some very dark and stormy days and brought me peace. They have kept me sure-footed and secure when there was turmoil all around me. The promise of Isaiah 40:4 is that

“…The crooked places shall be made straight

And the rough places smooth.”

Another promise, familiar to us all, is Isaiah 40:31:

“Those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.”

In addition to Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 43:2 is more assurance that God is with us,

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Isaiah 42:16 is my promise that God will be my guide:

“I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;

I will lead them in paths they have not known.

I will make darkness light before them,

And crooked places straight.

These things I will do for them,

And not forsake them.”

I could go on, but space does not allow me to share all the Words in these chapters that have comforted me, moved me to worship Almighty God, and given me strength for my journey. The wonderful benefit of studying the scriptures to find messages from the heart of God to your heart is that His Spirit will bring them to mind when you need them most. I encourage you to open your Bible today and read Isaiah 40–43 for yourself, as you ask God what He wants to say to you through His word today.

Tomorrow’s Delight: Isaiah 44–48

Joanne Creary

www.wellwomancoaching.com