Strength in Hope

Isaiah 40:30-31 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 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 is one of the powerful messages from Isaiah easily understood to encourage and uplift us. Why do you think this scripture is so well-known?
    Could it be we all desire this kind of strength and freedom? Weariness is a common trait of our human condition. There is much to make us feel this way. We often have too many concerns and only unclear, even distant answers, if we have any answers at all. The optimism and hope of our younger years may have given way to the faithless, “It is what it is.” attitude that tires our minds. Very often, we are told to look within ourselves to find peace and rest. But how can be an answer that we are filled with questions?
    But in God’s comfort, deliverance and glory proclaimed earlier in this chapter, comes the sure hope of a God-centered, God-empowered life. Think of it. This hope is God’s gift to you as you  turn your attentive ear toward God’s Word. The soaring strength is an outpouring of God’s power to lift us from despair into faith. Our weariness transforms’ to tireless, hope-empowered footsteps to run in strength with the evidence of God’s salvation.  
    There is rest and power for each of you as you seek the Lord’s good will for your life. May you run with him to everlasting joy.
 
Job 17:9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.