“Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.“
Background
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah, primarily to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah 40 marks a significant shift in the book, transitioning from messages of judgment to messages of comfort and hope. This chapter begins with “Comfort, O comfort My people“ (Isaiah 40:1), setting a tone of encouragement for the exiles who would be in Babylon.
Chapter 40 emphasizes the greatness and incomparability of God, contrasting His eternal nature with the temporary nature of human existence. Verse 31 comes as a powerful conclusion to this chapter, offering hope and renewal to those who trust in the Lord.
Exegesis
- “Yet those who wait for the Lord“:The Hebrew word for “wait“ (qavah) implies more than passive waiting; it suggests eager anticipation, hope, and trust.
This waiting is directed specifically toward the Lord, indicating a personal relationship and dependence on God. - “Will gain new strength“:Literally, “will exchange strength,“ suggesting a supernatural empowerment.
This implies that our human strength is replaced with divine strength. - “They will mount up with wings like eagles“:Eagles are known for their strength, speed, and ability to soar to great heights.
This metaphor suggests rising above circumstances and gaining a higher perspective. - “They will run and not get tired“:Running requires significant energy and usually leads to fatigue.
The promise of running without tiring indicates supernatural endurance. - “They will walk and not become weary“:Walking represents the daily, routine aspects of life.
Not becoming weary suggests a constant, sustained strength for everyday challenges.
Key Points
- Waiting on the Lord is an active process of trust and hope.
- God promises to renew and strengthen those who rely on Him.
- Divine empowerment enables believers to rise above their circumstances.
- God provides supernatural endurance for both extraordinary and ordinary tasks.
- This promise contrasts human limitations with God's limitless power.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you personally to “wait for the Lord“?
- In what areas of your life do you most need to exchange your strength for God's strength?
- How can you cultivate a perspective that allows you to “mount up with wings like eagles“ in challenging situations?
- Where in your life do you need supernatural endurance to “run and not get tired“?
- How can you apply the promise of “walk and not become weary“ to your daily routines and responsibilities?
Applications
- Develop a daily practice of quiet waiting before God, perhaps through meditation or contemplative prayer.
- Identify areas where you're relying on your own strength and consciously surrender them to God.
- When facing difficulties, take time to “soar“ above the situation by seeking God's perspective through prayer and Scripture.
- In tasks that require endurance, regularly remind yourself of God's promise of supernatural strength.
- Create visual reminders (e.g., artwork, notes) of Isaiah 40:31 to encourage yourself in daily challenges.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your promise of renewal and strength. In a world that often leaves us weary and overwhelmed, we thank You for being our source of limitless power and endurance.
Lord, teach us what it truly means to wait on You. Help us to exchange our weakness for Your strength, our limited perspective for Your eternal vision. Like eagles, may we rise above our circumstances and see things from Your point of view.
Grant us, we pray, the supernatural endurance to run the race You've set before us without growing tired. In our daily walk, sustain us with Your power so that we do not become weary.
Father, in those moments when we feel weak or discouraged, remind us of Your faithfulness. May we always find our strength in You, trusting in Your perfect timing and infinite wisdom.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
