I was fortunate to have a mother who understood how to comfort. She was naturally nurturing but also a nurse by profession. I tried to follow her example with my own sons. One day my youngest bounced into the room and onto the bed where I was studying and preparing a lesson. I looked up and queried, “Do you need something?”

“I need you for hugging,” he replied.

Of course I embraced my young son savoring the moment of pure joy. After our hug, he bounded off, satisfied and content. To this day, I don’t know why he needed a hug at that moment, but I successfully comforted him. The prophet Isaiah does likewise for the people of Judah:

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for.

Isaiah 40:1–2

Isaiah’s tone, message, and focus change drastically at this juncture in his writing. After repeatedly warning about the impending consequences of their disobedience and pleading for repentance, Isaiah now looks into the future when the forecasted exile of Judah is almost over. Instead of harsh judgment, he offers comfort by speaking tenderly—“to the heart”—reassuring that sin has been paid for, redemption has come, and God is all-mighty.

• [He has sent me] to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn (Is 61:2)
• Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. (Is 52:9)

Isaiah clearly communicates that the Lord is the comforter. Comfort means “to console”—to alleviate grief, a sense of loss, or affliction with sympathy and compassion.

• Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. (Is 49:13)
• The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins … Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. (Is 51:3)
• Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Cor 1:3–4)

Comfort is found in God’s laws, his love, protection, guidance, and from others who have experienced God’s comfort for their own troubles. The Lord’s comfort results in joy and praise and it conquers fear (see verses above).

• I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. (Psalms 119:52)
• May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. (Ps 119:76)
• Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)
• “I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? (Is 51:12 NLT)

Consider a mother comforting a child. She holds her baby close to her heart, speaks soothingly, caresses, kisses, hugs, gives food or medicine, sings, and prays.

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted [in] Jerusalem.”

Is 66:13

Are you mourning today? Receive the Lord’s comfort. And may it bring you joy.

PRAYER

Lord, when I experience trouble, affliction, grief, or sadness, I open your word and read of your greatness and your love for me; I find guidance and protection and I am less afraid. I curl up in your arms and your warm embrace calms and soothes me (Ps 131:2). Your comfort brings me joy and I praise you!

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All Scripture is from the New International Version unless otherwise noted with emphasis added.