Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 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. —Isaiah 40:30-31
Fainting, weary, exhausted. This describes all of us. But Isaiah 40 shows us that the LORD God is glorious (v. 5); faithful and true (v. 5); mighty (v. 10); and His Word stands forever (v. 8). He is a tender shepherd (v. 11); the sovereign, everlasting Creator (vv. 12-17, 28); He transcends His creation (vv. 21-26); He is holy, unique (v. 25); He does not faint or grow weary (v. 28); He is all-seeing, all-knowing, and His power is limitless (vv. 27-29).
Are you waiting for something or someone? Are you waiting for love? Are you waiting for your children to be born? Are you waiting for healing? Or maybe you're starting to bargain with God because the waiting is so long? Are you busy crafting an idol of wood or gold to comfort you (vv. 19-20)?
Isaiah 40 wakes us up with word pictures that challenge our imagination as to the greatness of our God. But it also reminds us that our God is a tender shepherd to His people. He teaches us that waiting for Him is worth everything because God Himself is our greatest treasure. And this waiting will lead us to worship Him above all.
He is above the circle of the earth and the heavens are like a tent. We are like grasshoppers from His lofty view and all the rulers of the earth are nothing and empty. There is no one like Him. Stand in awe of Him. Let the praises in your heart give expression through your voice right now. Great are You, LORD! You are God and there is no other! You alone are worthy of our praise!
God never faints or grows weary. His understanding is unsearchable and He is the one who gives power and strength to His people (v. 29).
Why would you not wait for Him? He knows how weak you are. If you were to set out on your own, you would faint and gain no eternal benefit whatsoever. Even youths, who are in their prime physically, who have maximum courage and strength, will faint and be weary. But God will not. So, will you wait on the LORD? What does He promise if you will wait for Him?
He will renew your strength. You will mount up with wings as eagles. God will cause you to soar above everything earthbound. Just like an eagle, your wings will catch the wind and you can rest in the gliding. Looking down from the heights, your eye will capture earthly cares in heavenly sight. Knowing who God is (the very life of your soul), and seeing what concerns you from His perspective will change your heart. When you meet again with concerns on earth, you will be strengthened in His might to run the race with endurance, fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. You will now walk and not faint because you have waited on the LORD and placed your hand in His.
For Reflection:
There are many grave concerns in the world today. Have you let your heart be carried away by the cares of this world? Actively wait on the LORD; ask Him what are some practical ways to guard against worshiping earthly things?
How might knowing the attributes of God given in Isaiah 40 shape your view of life?
Are you keeping the heavenly perspective in your life? What are you doing practically to “set your mind on things above and not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-3)?