Jehovah Comforts His People by Answering Prayers

Some, though, may feel discouraged because deliverance has not come as soon as they had hoped.  (Proverbs 13:12; 2 Peter 3:9) May they draw comfort from Isaiah's next words, which highlights a special aspect of Jehovah's personality. "When the very people in Zion will dwell in Jerusalem, you will by no means weep.  He will without fail show you favor at the sound of your outcry; as soon as he hears it he will actually answer you."  (Isaiah 30:19)   Isaiah conveys tenderness in these words by switching from the plural "you"  in verse 18 to the singular "you" in verse 19.  When Jehovah comforts distressed ones, he treats each person individually. As a Father, he does not ask a discouraged son, 'Why can't you be strong like your brother?'  (Galatians 6:4) Instead, he listens attentively to each one.  In fact, "as soon  as he hears it he will actually answer."  What reassuring words! Discouraged ones can be greatly strengthened if they pray to Jehovah. -Psalm 65:2.

Next time: Hear God's Voice by Reading His Word

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000