Anticipate Renewal and Refreshment

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint. “Isaiah 40:31

A new chapter is just about to begin – a brand new year! The pressures of daily life may have seemed overwhelming this year. The stresses of life can make anyone feel like giving up!  Perhaps more than ever, the adversity we faced, and it only seemed to increase from day to day! Operating in our own strength, we perhaps experienced burn out.

Placing our trust in God and relying on His strength and guidance gives us courage to carry on no matter what comes our way.  When I turn to God, I have the strength to overcome the challenges I face in my daily life. The struggle is not just physical fatigue, it is emotional exhaustion as well.  Sleep and relaxation can help but rest alone can’t solve emotional exhaustion.

The Bible reminds us that God already knows how we feel. He understands our feelings better than we do; Psalm 38:9 says “You, Lord, you know every one of my deepest desires, and my noisy groans are no secrets to you”. There is relief when a doctor gives a diagnosis of an illness. That makes way for the relevant treatment to be administered.  Mathew 6:8 reminds us that Jesus knows exactly what we need even before we ask Him.  He loves us enough to listen and grant us what is good for us.

We can humbly ask God for strength continually as in 1 Chron 16:11 “Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His presence continually”.  Our human strength is limited, but God’s power is unlimited. He is the Infinite God!  When we slow down, wait on Him and move at his speed, we will not grow weary!

Our strength will definitely be renewed as we constantly focus on God.  This is so well explained in Heb. 12: 2 “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

Dear Lord, You are my strength and my shield, help me to make a conscious decision to wait on you, listen and rely on your strength today and may this week count for your glory!

Reflection:

What step could you take today to continue living like this promise of strength is true?

Take sometime today and all week to be still, wait on the Lord and listen for His voice!