STRENGTH TO THE WEARY

“But those who wait on 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 40:31

There is no better time to tap into God’s STRENGTH for the WEARY than this Season of Joy.  Weariness – whether physical, emotional, or spiritual – comes to all mortals. Isaiah reminds us that although we become tired, “the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary” (v. 28). In every situation, the Lord “gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength”? (v. 29). What’s it like on your journey today? Are you weak, stressed or battling fatigue or depression? Do you need more vitality to run this race of life that you’re in? Does your strength seem depleted? Your Helper is here. Our Creator gives us many scriptures that relate to how we can have our strength renewed or refuelled in Him. If weariness has caused you to forget God’s Presence and Power, why not pause and recall His promises:

“The Lord will give STRENGTH to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace” (Psa.29:11).

“The God of Israel is He who gives STRENGTH and power to His people. Blessed be God!” (Psa.68:35b).

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be STRENGTHENED with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph.3:16).

“I can do all things through Christ who STRENGTHENS me” (Phil.4:13).

“STRENGTHENED with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Col.1:11).

Life can make us tired and weary; it can deplete the strength we need to get out of bed and accomplish the tasks required of us. Yes, we can engage in physical exercises to tone up our muscles or take our fitness walk. Those activities can provide us a level of fitness that enables our bodies to function physically, yet we also need INNER STRENGTH to be able to function excellently well. Since our spirit, mind, and body and spirit are interconnected, how we feel spiritually or emotionally can effect or physical energy level. That’s where divine Help and Strength are required. A meaningful, personal relationship with God guarantees such inner energy and strength that can sustain us. Engaging in spiritual exercises such as prayer, Scripture reading, studying, and meditation, fellowship with believers, and abiding in God’s Presence, help us tap into the unique Strength and Power that only God can provide.

The Strength of the Lord is however not measured according to human or natural parameters. Paul reminds us how we can be strong when we are weak. This might seem like an oxymoron but because it’s biblical, it’s true. When we are dependent upon God, when we surrender to Him, when we rely on Him and ask Jesus to live His life through us, it is then that we’re actually living by His Power and Strength. If we try to be strong in our own might, we don’t give God the opportunity to use His strength as He lives through us. Paul encouraged the Ephesians: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph.6:10). Again, Paul affirmed: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2Cor.12:10).

When we are alone with God – when we “wait” on Him – we receive more of His Strength. When we believe and trust in the Truth of Scripture and in how God works, our hope is boosted, and our strength is renewed. Grounded in the Word, we are bolstered in strength: “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul” (Psa.138:3). Beloved, why not drop to your knees and spend some one-on-one time with God? Open up your Bible, read and meditate upon the scriptures, and watch the Lord bless you with more inner strength to face every challenge that comes your way.