New Year – New Beginnings – Same God!
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” Isaiah 40:31
This scripture text is featured in the song Everlasting God – see hyperlink at the end. A familiar song, I’m sure. For the novice guitarist like me, it’s an easy chord set and enjoyable to play! Anyway, I thought of this verse as we start a new year. Let’s lean into the new year with hope, a renewed trust, and confident patience to wait on the Lord.
The chapter 40 of Isaiah is recognized by many to be among the most powerful chapters of scripture with many verses that are familiar and can be the basis for daily reflection. God’s people are coming out of captivity, a time where patience was such a critical aspect to survival and the words found in Isaiah are encouraging words to the Israelites waiting for the promise of God.
Today’s specific text is the final verse in this great chapter. What a promise! It presents what is key to personal renewal – waiting on the Lord. Look at the words “those who wait for the Lord.” These words describe those who expect, look for, and hope in Him – trusting that it is God’s strength that carries us while in the midst of exhaustion, weakness, and the trials we face. It is God who lifts us above the storms of life as represented in the grand eagle soaring the skies far away from these storms. And it is through Christ that we can have the spiritual stamina and conditioning that keeps us from “fainting” on the forward walk of life.
So with a “New Year, New Beginning” let us place active hope in the Lord. When impatience and frustration tempt to us to fall, trust that by God’s grace your strength will be renewed.
Father God, it is under Your wings that we are protected against the currents of fear, doubt, and impatience. These emotions so easily can weigh us down and pull us right into the center of the storm. But through eyes of faith and our hearts of trust we can mount up with You and soar like eagles. May we focus on Your promise that You’ll never leave nor forsake us. Give us courage to wait and trust You to answer our prayers. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.