“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31a
There is a daily battle raging every day within each of us. It is a struggle in our heart and mind: a war over control. In our dance with life we wrestle every day with who is going to lead. Spiritually we pray for God’s Kingdom to come and God’s Will to be done, yet in living we often set our daily plans and schedules according to our own perceived needs, without consulting our Lord and King. Then, when things don’t go well, we pray for God’s guidance and help. And we still wonder why we struggle?
The daily fight for control is a fight with self. No wonder Jesus warned us: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself…” Luke 9:23
Satan tried desperately to tempt Jesus with “self” and meet his own hunger need: “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread!” Luke 4:3
Jesus commanded us not to worry or to be anxious about anything but to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” Mt. 6:33
The Apostle Paul gave the same command: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phil 4:6
Prayer is a demonstration of faith. Prayer is an act of trust and hope. Putting our issues, struggles, and needs in the hands of God releases us from the burden of it all. By letting go, we let God do what he can do and take the stress out of trusting in our own strength. We know how powerful God is!
Read the verse from Isaiah again. We gain strength by letting God be God. The various translations of this verse translate the word “hope” to wait or trust. Take note of the promise: “those who hope…those who wait, those who put their trust…in the Lord…will renew their strength. It is not might renew their strength but will renew their strength!
If that is not enough to encourage you, then consider the verses following:
“They will soar on wings like eagles.” From this perspective our problems don’t seem so significant. The view of the St. Louis Arch from twenty thousand feet is much different than from the base of it!
“They will run and not grow weary.” God provides the perseverance to carry us through fearful times in the valley or lonely times in the desert.
“They will walk and not be faint.” Walking with God brings us confidence and peace.
Give up the self-battle! Surrender to God!
Thankfully waiting on the Lord!
Bro. Sherman
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