Our Old Testament reading is Isaiah 40:21-31, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
This lesson speaks of God’s power through creation and His presence with us. It is amazing to think that the One who made everything wants to be part of our lives. What a blessing to be sought after by the Lord!
While God watches over us, He wants more than that – He wants to be involved in everything we do! The prophet tells us we are never ignored or forgotten by God. Even when we face the tragedies of earthly life, He is there for us, ready to refresh and strengthen us.
Isaiah says those who hope in Him “will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary” (v. 31). We have God’s promise that He is with us when we turn to Him in faith. God’s love for us is never ending, He is always ready to forgive and restore us.
Gracious God, we are grateful for the blessing of Your presence in our lives. Help us to follow Your path, relying on Your strength and not our own. Amen.