ISAIAH 66:13: As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted
in Jerusalem.
A mother said that her little girl, who was terrified of the dark, slept at night in a crib beside
her bed. Often the mother had been wakened during the night by a little voice saying, “Momma,
it’s dark! It’s dark, Momma! Take Sally’s hand.” And when, in answer to her cry, the mother took hold
of her tiny hand, the little girl would sink quietly back to sleep, all her fears being removed.
The Israelites, too, were beset with fears: political uncertainty surrounded them, and even greater
tragedies lay ahead. Isaiah foresaw the day when the nation would be overrun by the
Babylonians, with many people killed and most of the rest taken into captivity (39:6-7).
It would be a time when they would need the special comfort that mothers are so good at
giving. And in the midst of the darkness of those days, God assured them that He would be there to
comfort them.
If you are needing comfort, be assured that God is also there for you. The apostle Paul declared,
“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” (2 Cor. 1:3-4, emphasis mine).
Perhaps you are experiencing the deep night of bereavement. Maybe the inky blackness of
physical infirmities has closed around you. Whatever might be the cause of your sorrow, don’t
hesitate to lift your heart to the Lord and say, “Father, it is dark: Take my hand.” Reach out
and let Him enfold your hand in His. You will find a comfort that no one else can bring. God’s strong
hand is only a prayer away.
YOU CAN EXPERIENCE ALL THE COMFORT OF GOD THROUGH THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT.