The Covid-19 economic and social upheavals have caused many to experience things like stress, depression, irritability, insomnia, fear, confusion, anger, frustration, boredom, uncertainty, isolation and a host of other emotional and mental challenges. Many are grieving because of the loss of a loved one or a friend to Covid-19. Still others have lost jobs due to the pandemic.
Then there is the political and social unrest in our country that heaps on additional struggles. If that isn’t enough, many have experienced the pain of losing homes, businesses, and crops to hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, and freak windstorms. All of this has moved many to seek different paths in order to experience some sort of renewal.
Isaiah 40:18-31 serves as a conclusion to verses 1-17. In the first half of the chapter, the prophet spoke of future hope for the people who would live in Babylonian exile. This hope was anchored in God’s incomparable power.
As you study or lead a study of this passage, remember that Isaiah’s audience is hearing about what will take place in the future. Because they will know this in advance, they should realize that they can hold on to hope and trust God. We need to consider what this can do to help us experience renewal during our times of distress.
This passage of study includes a passage that is near and dear to most believers. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint (CSB).
While living in exile the Israelites would need to depend on God based on the hope they have in what they already knew about God. If they did, He would renew their strength even when they would feel as if all circumstances were going against them. Renewal included strength and much more!
- They would soar on wings like eagles – The would be able to live above the fray of what’s going on around them. We too can be lifted above the fray of all that’s going on around us if we have hope, trust, or wait on the Lord.
- They would run and not become weary –The description is that of a marathon runner who is running a long distance. It’s not easy and there are challenges. There would be times when they would, and we will need to be, like a marathon runner. This is only possible if our hope and trust is in the Lord.
- They would walk and not faint – Walking is a metaphor for everyday living. Not only will there be times when you will have to soar over your circumstances and have the endurance of a marathon runner, but every day you need to walk and not faint. Every day you should wake up to a new day of trusting in the Lord!
Renewal is available, complete, and perfect for all of life’s circumstances if we trust in the Lord!
