“As one whose mother comforts, so I will comfort you.”

Isaiah 66:7-14, “Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she gave birth to a boy. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons. Shall I bring to the point of birth, and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?” says your God. “Be joyful with Jerusalem and rejoice for her, all you who love her; be exceedingly glad with her, all you who mourn over her, that you may nurse and be satisfied with her comforting breasts, that you may suck and be delighted with her bountiful bosom.” For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall be nursed, you shall be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Then you shall see this, and your heart shall be glad, and your bones shall flourish like the new grass; and the hand of the LORD shall be made known to His servants, but He shall be indignant toward His enemies.”

There may be severe trials ahead for believers in Christ. After the resurrection, the first believers were persecuted and even put to death. Yet the fire of the gospel spread out from Jerusalem into the world! We can look forward to His amazing grace, His care for us even as a mother cares and nourishes a child. He has for us His “peace like a river,” and even if we should suffer for His name He will ultimately deal with His enemies.

Help us to be faithful in all that You call us to do, even when difficulties come. We put all of our trust in You for Your peace, nourishment and comfort, O Lord!