23rd January 2024
We will find strength
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
I was walking our little dog out in our field when I noticed a Bald Eagle sitting on the top of the pole for our irrigation pump. It was looking down intently at the ground. He is up to something I said to my dog. We approached closer, and as it noticed us, it flew up in that majestic way and left the area. It did not take long before our cat came running out of the bushes near the foot of that pole. That eagle was up to something, and we did not want to find out what it was, so we all turned around and walked back to the house. The cat stayed close by us; he trusted in our protection.
How much do we trust in God? When we find ourselves in that unwanted position of needing some sort of rescue, as my cat did, do we first turn to God for that help? I cannot say I always do. I may try first to solve my own situation, but soon I realise, even as I do this, that I need guidance and help from God. I do not feel that I am overburdening him with my troubles. I know in my heart that he is willing to help me and is more than able to do so. Isaiah mentions a ‘new strength’. Life is full of challenges; new ones pop up continually. God has the answers, and he is there to help us as we walk through our challenges. God is the strength that we need. He gives us that strength to face each day. Each day is a new one full of its own troubles, each day God is there to give us the wisdom and the strength we need; no matter what we face.
It is that trust I have in God that sends me running to him. I need God every day. I do not trust in my abilities alone. I know I am weak and full of failings, but with God on my side, I can walk and not grow weary, run, and not faint as the verse says. Why? Because it is God who gives me the strength and who holds me up (Psalm 18:32). We are told in Isaiah 40 verses 28-31 that God who created all things does not grow weary; it is God’s strength that we fall on; he who gives us new strength; it is not our own. Nehemiah said in chapter 8:10 that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Knowing God is for us and with us, lifts us up in spirit and gives us courage and hope for each new day.
2 Chronicles 16:9 speaks of God giving strength to those who are fully committed to him. God gave Samson physical strength as he was committed to him ([Judges 16:28). Just as God strengthens us, we can strengthen others as we encourage them and lead them to God’s word. God himself encourages us in Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’
Prayer
Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Isaiah in 33:2 (NIV)
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
Local congregation:
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