Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

Isaiah 40:1

This morning after reading the news, God called me to Himself. I felt weary and heavy-hearted over the rising evil in our country and lawless insanity overtaking our cities. Lies and deception run rampant through the news media, and people fall for the evil one’s cunning craftiness and deceptions.

Yet, this morning the Lord said to me, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:28-29). Jesus calls each of us to come to Him in these evil days, walk with Him, and learn from Him. He desires to infuse us with His gentle humility through a deepening relationship with Himself. Here our souls find rest in His comforting presence.

The Psalmist asks God to plead his case against an ungodly nation and deliver him from the deceitful and unjust. Then he asks himself, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (Ps 42:5,11; 43:5 NASV).

The Apostle Peter tells us “God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Yes, Lot was a righteous man tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment” (2Pe 2:7-9).

No wonder the Psalmist cries out, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?” (Ps 42:1).

God begins Psalm 37 with, “Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.” He ends the chapter with, “Be still in the presence of the LORD and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm” (Psa 37:7-8).

Always, “His word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Ps 119:105). Such comfort and peace He gives when I come to Him in humility. He takes up my case against the godlessness around me and tells me not to despair. He reassures me of His overcoming power to destroy evil and replace it with eternal joy and peace. He knows how to rescue me from trials and promises to do so.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa 40:28-31).

When I turn to His living and powerful word, He fills my heart with a peace that passes my understanding. Not only does He warn me not to worry, but provides the alternative to trust in Him, delight myself in Him, commit my way to Him, rest in His presence, and wait patiently for Him to act. Check out His promised provision:

Psalm 37:1-8 NLT A Psalm of David.

Don’t worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the LORD and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the LORD,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.

Rejoice with me and worship Him, who says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deu 31:6).