Isaiah 40:31. This verse! I mean, how many times have we read it to encourage ourselves or spoke it to a friend in need? It’s full of promise. But I think what makes this verse shine like a diamond in the perfect setting is the way Isaiah leads up to it throughout chapter 40.
I’ll summarize. The chapter starts off with comfort and speaking tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell them the warfare is over and their sins have been pardoned. Make a way for God. His glory will be revealed. And then Isaiah talks about how everything is fleeting, that only the word of God lasts forever.
He goes on to asks questions to remind them of God’s greatness. Who can measure anything his hands are holding? He holds everything. Who can measure the Spirit of the Lord, who has given him counsel? No one. Who can you compare to God? An idol? Made by humans hands? No way! Do you not know? Have you not heard of him who brings princes to nothing?
Isaiah starts his conclusions by pleading, lift your eyes on high, and see the everlasting God, the Creator of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary. We get tired, even young men…
Here it comes after all the setup.
…but those who *hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (CJB, ESV)
Hoping in the Lord renews our strength. Why? Because he never grows tired, he is everlasting, he is holding all things together. And in all that greatness, he cares for us!
*hope = wait, trusts, expect, long for
Brave Sparrow 