One of my favorite Scriptures is Isaiah 40:31. I remember first time I realized what a treasure it was. I was a freshman in college, and have been in love with it ever since. It became a life “theme” verse for me, and continues to retain it’s title as one of “The All-time Favorites.”
In fact, I’m looking at it right now, beautifully posted at my desk where I can soak in God’s Truth.
Do you love this verse too?
“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.” (NIV)
“But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.” (The Message)
And check this version out:
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Amplified)
(Emphasis mine)
Recently I read something profound about this verse. It went something like this: When we wait on people or events or circumstances, it wears us out. OR When we put our hope in people or events or circumstances, we become weary. But when we wait on the Lord… our strength is renewed. Renewed – Not zapped.
That’s profound to me! All of these months, I’ve been waiting on the Lord WHILE I’ve also waited on a committee to call my husband for a job interview. Knowing that my husband’s resume is in the hands of several committees and waiting on them to call has been exhausting…Until I realized where the power of this verse lies.
People, plans, events, committees, and circumstances are always subject to change. And putting our hope in something that changes is definitely stress-producing… because we never know what to expect.
But putting our hope in the Lord is energizing… because He never changes. “I the Lord do not change. That is why you… are not consumed.” (Mal. 3:6)
Now every time I start to “hope” that someone will call today, or “hope” that the right job will come along soon, I put the breaks on that train of thought. Out loud, I’ll say something like, “No, Lord… I’m not hoping in that phone call, circumstance, person, etc., I’m hoping in YOU!” And immediately, my strength is renewed.
It’s an amazing and immediate transformation. I dare you to try it!
What are you waiting/hoping for? If you are waiting on or hoping for something or someone, I challenge you to try switching the focus of your hope from that person or thing onto the Lord.
If you’re like me, you’ll find an incredible strength and a surge of the Lord’s peace that you have been missing. You’ll actually be energized in your wait.
I can guarantee it… Because His Word promises us that this is true. Try it, and let me know how it worked for you!
Waiting and hoping in the Lord (instead of in anything else) with you~
Jennifer
Kim... and Her Coffee says
I just love this message. And I love your encouragement to speak it out loud to the Lord. Isn't there something so much more powerful when we open up our mouths and speak it out? LOVE THIS. You Go Jen!!!
Kristy says
It's my first time visiting your blog – and I love it! Very happy!
Thanks for putting the wait in perspective!
Debbie says
Jennifer, what a great application for this verse! Sounds like a teaching leader to me. That verse reminds me of the movie Chariots of Fire about Eric Liddell. It's one of my all time favorite movies. BTW, I mentioned you in my Thankful Thursday post today. You've been such a good friend to me and I thank your for your prayers.
Love you,
Debbie
Carolina Mama says
Love this Jennifer! Did Melanie see this? I think she could really appreciate it. Have a blessed day friend!
Jennifer says
Definitely a favorite verse…waiting never sounds like fun – but to think we are energized and encouraged by waiting! Its wonderful. Hope this has been a good week for you.
Kathy S. says
Yes! and Amen! I love that…taking the thoughts captive….'scuse me, I need to go watch my mind!
Such peace is found in letting God have it all.
Beautiful message!
Kathy
Michele Helms says
Have you ever been to a fancy restaurant where the waiter is right there for your every need? They almost anticipate your every need or desire. Why is it that when we hear "wait on the Lord" we think about sitting still and awaiting an answer from Him. I think that when we don't know what to do….we should wait on Him….look for ways to serve Him in any way that we can until he makes Himself known. I think I will go and blog aobut that very thing. 🙂
Jill says
What a cool way to look at that verse — I've never thought of it like that!
Kay says
You go girl! Amen and amen! That is so true and I had never thought it through quite like that either, but it so true how the things we hope for or concentrate on really can zap us instead of renew us! Love this! : )
Debbie says
Can't tell you how much this blessed me this morning. My HOPE must be in HIM, as my circumstances right now or overwhelming. But just dwelling there briefly (with my Hope in HIM) is soo uplifting, Thanks for this, Debbie
Kim@Seasons of My Heart says
I needed to hear this today…in a BIG way! Just when you think you have things figured out…ya don't….and like you said….it's because my focus has been in something/someone it shouldn't be in.
A few weeks ago during worship the lyric's: "he conquered the grave" really hit me. If HE…could conquer the grave…what makes me think he CANNOT conquer my current situation??? He CAN!! Amen.
Thanks sister…for your encouragement today…..
Christy says
What a great and timely post this is for me. I am currently waiting and hoping on something and I realize that who I am hoping in, isn't Who it should be.
So, like you encouraged us to do, I am switching the focus right now and expecting that new surge of hope and peace!