Yesterday's Bible Study |
Isaiah 40 is an encouraging declaration of the hope we have in God. Addressed to Israelites who were exiled into Babylon after the fall of their kingdom, the Psalm proclaims that God is with them and has a plan to restore Israel. Today's verse, which is from the end of the Psalm, promises that those who wait for the Lord will be given strength to endure. We'll break this verse down to understand it better.
It begins by defining whom it refers to: they that wait upon the Lord. They are distinguished by an action: waiting. Although it may seem unusual to think of waiting as doing something, in this verse waiting is not indicative of inaction--especially when you wait well--because it consists of rejecting anxious thoughts and the temptation to jump into action. Waiting upon the Lord means resolving not to move until He moves, which requires discipline sustained by prayer.
Those who do wait for the Lord will have their strength renewed. The verse gives several metaphors that demonstrate this strength: They will mount up (fly) with wings like eagles, and run and walk without becoming weary or faint. Knowing the Lord gives us strength--a supernatural strength that doesn't make sense to the world. It expands our perspective so that we can see past our period of waiting and fills us with the hopeful expectation that the Lord is going to move.
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Think about the character of God. What are some of the words you would use to describe God? Some that come to mind are faithful, love, just, perfect, holy, mighty, good, powerful, and near. Now, look at the situation that you are facing; a situation where the Lord is asking you to wait. While you are waiting, and it feels like you are doing nothing (even though waiting is difficult), remember that God is ruling your circumstance and situation. He can be trusted.
Today, you can walk in the strength that the Lord offers you. When you call out to Him, He will give you the strength that you need … strength that surpasses all understanding and fills you with His perfect love.
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