"Isaiah is the prophet we need to hear today as he cries out God's message above the din of world upheaval, "Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" (40:1 NKJV). The English word comfort comes from two Latin words that together mean "with strength." When Isaiah says to us, "Be comforted!" it is not a word of pity but of power. God's comfort does not weaken us; it strengthens us. God is not indulging us but empowering us. "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."