We all like to be comfortable, but probably don't consider what is involved in such a state. We think of quiet, soothing, non-judgmental treatment. If we should think of a church service that is comforting, we might imagine an affirming message promoting how wonderful we are despite our missteps. That is a pretty popular approach of many trying to attract the contemporary consumer, but the word "comfort" used by Isaiah to describe what God had in mind for the remnant of Israel is much stronger. Instead of promoting how wonderful the audience is, he promotes how wonderful God is.