True Comfort

Good Morning! Have you ever noticed the tendency to repeat important words or phrases to children,...especially in a moment of crisis? "It's okay, it's okay",..."don't be scared, don't be scared",..."be careful, be careful." I think some of this is due to the assumption that children, at least at first, don't listen to us,...especially if some other loud or frightening object has captured their attention. It may also be a result of our desire to plant our words firmly into their minds and hearts, in the midst of the crisis.

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.—Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)

Similarly, God speaks here in order to comfort His people in the midst of their otherwise frightening surroundings: comfort, comfort. He purposefully impresses upon us the fact that His message is not one of alarm, but of consolation. And perhaps the most comforting words of all are found in the two phrases that follow: "my people" and "your God." God assures us that we are no less His when we are trembling under some terrible trial, and that He is still our God when our feelings may betray us and tell us otherwise.

In times of trouble, listen for these comforting words from your Heavenly Father: "you are still mine, and I am still yours." It's okay. It's okay.

Sweet Spirit of God, remind us that we are always, always safe with our Father. Amen.

"We will always have place at our Father's table,...and in His heart."