They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. – Isaiah 40:31
There is a point at which your body needs rest. You run out of energy and feel weak. You could get by with a little nap or a small snack. Or perhaps something longer or larger is necessary. In some instances, you are able to quickly grab what you need. But how do you deal with the larger issues in life? An illness that has not resolved, a hurting child that needs more than a Band-Aid, a job that requires significant time and energy, or the loss of a loved one. Big issues require big solutions.
The passage from Isaiah 40 may remind you of when God compares His knowledge with Job’s ignorance. His first question would stop you in your tracks: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” “Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place” (Job 38:4, 12)? Isaiah records the greatness of God, stating that He “measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span” (Isaiah 40:12).
Why would God describe Himself this way? Maybe because those in His tender care become faint and physically weary, and also face overwhelming mental, emotional, and spiritual emergencies. The Lord is present to assure you that He is the Source of the power and strength you need. He is the Deliverer who releases you from worry, dread, fear, and discouragement as you pray, offer praise and thanksgiving, and receive His strength and faithful love.
Walk with God. Wait for Him in confidence. Know that He is never late with His enabling power. Pray for the nation’s governing officials, who face struggles and conflicts that need His solutions, to call on the Lord and rely on Him to provide and sustain them.
Today’s Verse: Isaiah 40:31
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Job 38:4-18, 42:1-2
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors
when it burst out from the womb,
9 when I made clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and prescribed limits for it
and set bars and doors,
11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
12 “Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
and caused the dawn to know its place,
13 that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth,
and the wicked be shaken out of it?
14 It is changed like clay under the seal,
and its features stand out like a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
and their uplifted arm is broken.
16 “Have you entered into the springs of the sea,
or walked in the recesses of the deep?
17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
18 Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?
Declare, if you know all this.
1 Then Job answered the Lord and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
