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 40:31
If there's anything we moderns find hard to do, it's wait. Computers have made waiting — for some things at least — almost obsolete. Want to read a book? Buy it online and if you have an e-reader you can be reading it in minutes. Call or text your friends any time and from anywhere on your cell phone. Access your bank online 24/7.
The way we're accustomed to expect instant action on getting our desires satisfied may make Isaiah's advice to wait on the Lord harder than ever to follow. But it is something we need to do, no matter how jumpy and impatient technology has made us. For God has His own agenda, and is on His own timetable — something we ignore at our peril.
Isaiah has been talking about that agenda for Israel in Isaiah 40. He has predicted the coming of Messiah, and reminded the people of how big and all-powerful God is when compared with earth's nations. Here at the chapter's end, he calls the people back to trust in Him, concluding with verse 31 about how waiting on God renews strength and gives energy for the long haul.
Waiting in that way is something we need to do as we face life's evils, injustices and unresolved issues. The Bible tells us to wait on, or for, or in God because:
- He is our salvation (Psalm 25:5).
- He is our source of mercy (Psalm 123:2).
- He is our defense (Psalm 59:9).
- He is our revenge (Proverbs 20:22).
- Waiting for Him and His timing is the way we achieve our destiny (Psalm 37:9, 34).
- We are to wait for him alone (Psalm 62:5) and continually (Hosea 12:6).
A footnote in my Bible referring to Isaiah 40:27-31 says:
"A proper understanding of God's dealings in life comes only by knowing His perspective and ways. This calls for great patience (v. 31). Wait on the Lord means to go about the routines of life with a fervent, patient hope that He will consummate His rule in His time; He will deal with evil. Such an inner attitude gives one strength to mount up above the moment with vigor to go on. See Romans 8:18-30." - New Spirit Filled Life Bible, p. 919.
PRAYER: Dear God, please help me to resist the urge to act impatiently and take matters into my own hands. Instead help me to wait on, for, and in You to bring resolution to issues I face. Amen.
King Saul is someone who refused to wait. Read the tragic results of his impatience in 1 Samuel 13:1-14.
(From the archives)
I love what you're doing here Violet. I have been following the Canadian Bible Society Daily Bible Reading Guide this year. Your expansion on the readings is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you so much, Belinda! It's nice to read along with others.
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