Isaiah 40 says, “Comfort my people,”
says our God. “Comfort them! . . .The Sovereign Lord will take care of his
flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his
arms; he will gently lead their mothers. . . To whom can the holy God be compared?
Is there anyone else like Him? Look up at the sky! Who created the stars you
see? The one who leads them out like an army, he knows how many there are and
calls each one by name! His power is so great—not one of them is ever missing! Why
then do you complain that the Lord doesn't know your troubles or care if you
suffer injustice? Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The Lord is the
everlasting God; He created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No
one understands His thoughts. [God] strengthens those who are weak and tired. Even
those who are young grow weak; young people can fall exhausted. But those who
trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on
wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow
weak.
Held captive, powerless, weak, tired—the nation of Israel felt all that and more during the 70 years they spent in Babylon as an exiled people. Knowing they would become downhearted, God gave the prophet Isaiah words to comfort them, to assure them that, not only was He fully aware of their situation, this mighty, sovereign God loved His people and would guide and care for them like a gentle shepherd tends his flock.
Sometimes situations in our lives can make us feel as powerless, captive, weak and tired as the Israelites—prolonged, incurable illness, a loveless marriage, a rebellious, self-destructive child, an overwhelming challenge, a loathed but inescapable job . . . every one of us can relate at one time or another.
God knew we would face these troubles. He knew we would get discouraged. His words in Isaiah don’t apply just to Israel’s captivity in Babylon—they are ours for today, for our situation, for our downcast hearts.
The words in Isaiah are among the many words God spoke to encourage us, his people. He wants us to know that the same incredibly powerful God is present with us today and desires to strengthen and care for each one of us personally.
Paul says in Ephesians 1: 18-20: “I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world.”
That is mighty power—and incredible love. As Isaiah points out, even the strongest people get tired at times, but God's power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. His strength is our source of strength. Those who know God look to him for help. When we feel all of life crushing us and we cannot go another step, God reminds us that we can call on him to renew our strength and help us to soar on wings like an eagle.
Be encouraged!
