Isaiah chapter 51 is a call of comfort to those who seek God's righteousness in the middle of exile. Verse 12 contains one of the most direct comforts in the Scriptures: I, even I, am he that comforts you. God presents himself personally to calm the fear of those who dread men, who are like grass that passes away. Fear of fragile creatures is empty before the greatness of the Creator. The prophet's question echoes in our hearts: why fear one who withers like the grass? God remembers us, is attentive to our pain, and draws near to comfort. Today we can receive that comfort and also bring it to those who are discouraged around us. Nothing is firmer than the hand that comforts.