“The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28b-31)
Weariness is something most, if not all of us have experienced at some time in our lives. And these days in the light of all the violence, division, and hatred that envelops our world, we feel weary merely by listening in to the news broadcasts on TV, radio, and the Internet, or even by looking out our front door. We live in difficult times that so tax our patience and resolve that we wind up feeling drained, tired, exhausted, and frustrated because one seems to be doing anything to counteract the problems that afflict and surround us.
At such times, many become discouraged and angry. Yet we who have faith in Jesus can be hopeful and strong. We can find comfort and strength in the Word of God, in such scriptures as these inspiring words from the prophet Isaiah. Now the Lord God gave these words to the prophet Isaiah for the Jews who would go into exile 100 years later. He wanted to comfort them in the midst of their afflictions and pain, to let them know that their trials were only temporary. Deliverance was a sure and certain event that would come, not right away, but when the Lord decided to act. The Lord God is almighty, the one who created all things and sustains them by His word. No nation, ruler, or army no matter how cruel and depraved can stand in His way for He controls the flow of history.
These words celebrate the greatness of our King, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though the world seems out of control, with many people running amok, we can take heart for the Lord God Almighty is in control of all things. Nothing takes Him by surprise; nothing happens that He has not foreseen. Therefore if we have faith in Him we also find peace in the midst of the most disturbing events. Those who deny Jesus, who lack faith in Him, however, have no such comfort in God’s Words although they do stand as an invitation to them from Him to come to repentance and faith and, thereby, peace.
The Lord is a mighty warrior but also a tender shepherd who cares for each member of His flock. We might tend to forget that in the light of what we see in our world. Many people think that based on what they experience or see with their eyes that God is powerless or unfeeling or even cruel. Many even deny His existence and become atheists or choose gods more to their liking. We should not do the same. These words of Isaiah assure us that God is and He is love. He alone can bring comfort and peace to those in turmoil. Therefore, we must share these words of comfort with everyone we meet.