When we wait for something, there's always an expected end. What are you waiting for?
I woke up this morning with Isaiah 40:31 running through my mind: “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.” The word that most caught my attention in this verse was the word ‘wait’, because everything that is promised to happen – the renewing of strength, the mounting up with wings like eagles – is contingent upon that one word, for those who wait on the Lord.
Waiting isn’t always the easiest thing to do. When we’re excited or anxious for something to occur, the last thing we want to do is wait. Sometimes, in our impatience, we try to help things along instead of patiently waiting for it to happen in the time it would naturally take. To wait means to look for, hope, expect or linger. When we wait for something, there is always an expected end: for the light to turn green, for my turn in the check-out line, for the food to arrive at my table, etc. I believe this verse is encouraging us to spend time waiting in His presence, to linger and to have the expectation that when we wait for Him in such a way, He will renew our strength. He invites us to place our hope in Him for the strength to glide through difficult situations with an ease such as an eagle soaring with his wings spanned, floating through the air, without becoming weary in the process. It doesn’t mean things won’t ever be difficult, but the outcome all depends on the wait and what it is we’re waiting for.
Do you find yourself in need of strength today? Have you grown weary of all that is happening in the world around us? Spend time in the presence of the Lord and take the time to wait. He is faithful to do what He promised, to provide strength and renewal when you wait.
Scriptures
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV)
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)
“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let you steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for the hope of your word which tells me that when I wait on You, my strength is renewed. I will wait, linger and place my hope in You, the author and the finisher of my faith.
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