He gives strength to the weary,
and to one without vigor, He adds might. Isaiah 40:29, TLV
Strength to the Weary. Happy New Year! I hope this devotion is helpful for you—it was for me.
Context. This verse is tucked into one of the most encouraging chapters of the Bible—for Israel. Still, we can also take encouragement particularly when we understand its context. 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 [the LORD’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 in the book of Isaiah featured great judgments for Israel’s disobedience.
But God’s covenant with His people is eternal—even with their disobedience. And it is within this context, that He speaks through Isaiah, that He gives strength and comfort 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 make decisions that affect us negatively. We reap judgments for sins we did not sow—even if those judgments affect us 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.
Since October 7th . . .
Since October 7th, our nation has become divided. Supporting Israel to have the right to exist and defend herself has become increasingly unpopular. I think of my friends and family in Israel who are believers in the Jewish Messiah Jesus, and I am challenged. Their faith and commitment to serve and do good—even in the face of danger—is a beacon of light. Their tireless efforts to help Israelis (Jewish and Arab) is a wonder.
Their testimony is an exhortation to us to walk through the discomfort of verbal assaults with integrity and love. To serve and do good when no one sees. And to not be weary in doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:13).
Until tomorrow, I pray that you and yours are given strength, especially if there has been a season of challenges that have made you weary. Please continue to pray for peace. God bless you and thank you for your prayers and encouragement through the year. Happy New Year!
