He gives strength to the weary,
and to one without vigor He adds might. Isaiah 40:29, TLV

Context. This verse is tucked into one of the most encouraging chapters of the Bible—especially for Israel. The chapter begins with:

“Comfort, comfort My people,”
says your God.
Speak kindly to the heart of Jerusalem
and proclaim to her
that her warfare has ended,
that her iniquity has been removed.
For she has received from Adonai’s hand
    double for all her sins.” (vss. 1-2)

In the previous chapter, King Hezekiah’s pride caused the eventual downfall and captivity of Israel. And he was one of the “good” kings of Judah. Other chapters featured great judgments for Israel’s disobedience.

But God’s covenant with His people is eternal. And it is within this context, that He speaks through Isaiah, that He gives strength to the weary.

But what about those who didn’t sin?

I’ve always wondered about those believing remnant who weren’t disobedient. Who were faithful, but still had to weather through all the judgments. Have you? Perhaps this verse is especially for them. It’s like God is saying, “I see your faithfulness, take heart, I’ll give you the strength to get through this.”

Sometimes those in authority over us make decisions that affect us negatively. We reap judgments for sins we did not sow—even if it is indirectly. Know this, that our Heavenly Father sees. He will give us strength to walk it through with integrity. And somehow, someway, there will be a blessing.

Please pray Psalm 122.