"Who is God?", Part II: God is the Comforter

Focus text: Isaiah 40:1-11

We all need someone to care for us and console us. No one escapes trouble, but it is a joy to have a God who will be at our side to care for us when trouble comes. When good King Hezekiah died, the nation began a 100 year fall that ended in the Babylonian captivity. Things did not look good and would not get better soon. Yet, God calls on His servant to help them and give people the comfort that they and we often need. 

Read Isaiah 40:1-11 and notice four ways that God will comfort His people

• A comforter does not forsake His people. (v.2) God must allow bad things to happen to His people when they sin, but He will return to them when they have repented. God’s people will suffer the fate of the nation that they live in. When Israel or America forgets its God, you can bet that things will get rough. Christians are not exempt from the suffering, but they can look to God for hope.

• A comforter gives them help to make life easier (v.4). In the midst of suffering, God promised that He would be there to help. He put King Cyrus in place to free the Jews and God still gives us people to help us as we rebuild our lives. God works behind the scenes to help people when they face tough times so that they can have success in their ministry and their life. 

• A comforter keeps his promises (v.8). Grass withers and flowers fail, but we can take comfort that the promises of God will always be kept. God promised that He would send a Messiah and Jesus came to die on the cross. God’s promises are meant to give us hope and comfort that the future is in His hands. The world may fall apart around us, but not one of God’s promises will fail.  

• A comforter keeps His people close to Him. (v.11) Our Lord cares for us when we find ourselves hurting and in trouble. He provides resources when we are struggling. The comforter is one who is close to his people and who picks up his people and holds them close like a parent cares for their children. We may feel defenseless, but God will stay at our side and protect us.

The Jews were in for a rough time. Judah still had 100 years of trouble before Jerusalem would fall, then 70 years of exile and 100 years before Nehemiah would rebuild the walls. God would be with them through it all. We often think that if we work harder or smarter that we can overcome the barriers of life. Comfort does not come in working harder or smarter, but by spending time with the Lord. Let Him calm your fears in prayer. Let Him organize your thoughts as you read His wisdom in scripture. Next Tuesday, we will look at God the guide in life and see what a real GPS can do.