Day 2

Comfort

READ

Isaiah 40:1-3

REFLECT

“Trapped in Babylon”

The 40th chapter of Isaiah opens a new chapter in the lives of God’s people. The book of Isaiah begins to share the promises of God to His people that are exiled to Babylon. They are experiencing another dark chapter in their life because some, or maybe most, wandered away from God’s protective care.

We can trace periods of freedom and persecution with God’s people throughout the Old Testament. Perhaps the logical assumption, even in periods of exile, is that not all the people wandered away from God. So that leaves the question; “Why does suffering happen in our world if there is a Good God?” If we are honest today, we have many of the same questions about how many people find themselves in detestable situations.

The promise in Isaiah 40: 1-3 is that God is a God of “Comfort.” We are reminded that He does not forget His people. We can often see God when we are in times of blessing, but it can be much harder to see God, as a God of comfort when we are experiencing times of distress. If we are in times of distress, the scriptures remind us that God is with us and He will stand beside us through difficult times. May we be encouraged that God never forgets His people. May we remember His promises to never forsake His people, and may we be used as vessels of these truths in some of the darkest places of suffering.

Further on in the book of Isaiah, He challenges God’s people to fight for the oppressed in the 58th chapter. We must continue to fight for those who are victims of human trafficking and against the evil committed by traffickers impacting innocent lives all across the world. May the Lord use us in this fight for justice.

RESPOND

Pray that survivors will have access to safe environments where there will be no shame or fear, and where their hearts and spirits can find recovery, acceptance, peace and love. Pray that survivors will find space and safety to let their voices and stories be heard. To find survivor services within your State visit www.sajustice.us.

RECEIVE

Lord you are an awesome God. Your unwavering love extends to all.

Help me never to take your love for granted. Help me to share it with others. Lord help me to see with your eyes those that you’ve put in my path today. Help me to see the unseen things that they may be carrying with them. May their burdens be lighter, their hope be restored, and their souls be encouraged because they see you in the world around them. Lord may you use me today to be a light for someone through my smile, the words I speak and the prayers I lift up. May the people I encounter know they have seen the presence of your love in my life today. Amen.