“O satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
Dear Ones:
It was the Apostle Paul who wrote to the believers in Corinth: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation.” (2 Cor. 1:3) It is important to see here the message of Moses, and that of Paul, and how they are similar. Both declare that God responds to the need and cry of the heart. In fact, Isaiah wrote these words of the Lord: “I, even I, am He that comforteth you.” (51:12) Are these three servants of God saying the same thing? Yes. God is a God who is near, the Psalmist even saying that He is, “…our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1) Because of the proximity of God, His nearness being our good, we are called to be those who come to Him in faith, believing, and receiving that which He alone can give, comfort to the needy heart and soul. How does He do this? What is the tangible manner that He uses to comfort those who are grieving, in need of encouragement, and inspiration? The manner of His dealing with us is simple. Our understanding of how He works to meet the need of the heart may be complicated. It is for this reason that we are called to live by the principle of faith in the faithfulness of God, who will do exactly what He says. What is this “way” by which He meets the needs of the heart?
In Isaiah 51, after speaking concerning the matter of being our Comforter, the Lord declares: “I am the Lord thy God…And I have put my words in Thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of Mine hand, that I may plant the heavens…” (v. 15,16) The first thing the Lord does is to establish in our minds and hearts the truth of who He really is, and what our relationship is with Him. He IS the Lord, our God, and thus He is sovereign and worthy to be trusted and obeyed. The second thing we see is that He uses the truth to meet the need of the heart. It is as the Spirit of God takes the objective truth of the word of God, and specifically applies it to the heart, that His power and life are revealed to the believer. This is seen in Jesus’ words: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (Jn. 14:26) It is very apparent here that it is as the Comforter speaks to us, taking the objective truth of the Word of God, expressly and exactly for the need at hand at that moment, that He gives power and strength to believe, and obey it. It is in the laying hold of God according to the truth revealed, that His resources in Christ are known and lived. Lastly, it would be by the Lord’s words in Isaiah 51, that He reveals to us that this indeed His way of comforting the heart. “I have covered thee in the shadow of Mine hand, that I may plant the heavens.” (v.16) God speaks, and creation responds. He speaks to the heart, and the comfort of His presence and goodness are known.
So, what is the great prayer of and old soldier, a prophet of God, whom the Lord calls “his servant?” It is for the daily need of God ministering Life and fulness to the heart and soul, coming again and again to satisfy the soul, comfort the believer by making him or her glad. The prayer is for continuing gladness. He prays for the revelation of the “works” of God, and the unveiling of His glory. He calls upon God that His beauty will be, reside on the believer.
Dear Father, Visit us today, as you met Thy servants in answer to prayer. Establish us, and our works, in Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad