Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 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. Isa. 40:28-31 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, there’s nothing major going on—no foreboding issues in front of me, or recent disappointments dogging me; no Piranha nibbling at my soul, or conflicts testing my limits. I’m just feeling a bit tired and “blah-ish” as this day begins.
So this Scripture comforts me on many levels. First of all, I’m glad to be reminded that even youths get faint and weary, and young men get exhausted. So thank you for the freedom to accept our limitations and humanity—a freedom we need to access more regularly. None of us has limitless resources.
But more importantly, Father, I’m thankful for what this passage reminds me about you. You are tireless in your care, everlasting in your mercies, and generous with your grace. You anticipate our weakness and meet us right there. When we get worn-out, you don’t roll your eyes and call us “couch potatoes,” “slackers” or “soft.” Rather, you call us beloved children—daughters and sons you cherish.
Father, thank you for promising to renew our strength. Thank you for calling us to wait on you, and not simply get up and get busy. I will quiet myself before you today, and trust you to refresh my heart and replenish my resources.
With the gospel at my core, I don’t feel any condemnation or guilt, just the need for a less busy, quieter, distraction-less stretch of a few days. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ kind and powerful name.