Tag: overflow

Hope.

If there is one thing we need when facing the future, it’s hope. Without hope, all that’s left is despair.

And that’s how the Israelites felt. In despair. Their lives were falling apart, and God seemed far away. And so they cried out,

My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God. (Isaiah 40:27)

In other words, “Where are you God? Are you there? Do you even care? Or is it that you care, but you’re powerless to help me? You don’t know how to help me?”

But God replies,

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. (28)

God’s basically saying, “What are you talking about? Of course I know how to help. Of course I have the power to help.

“Don’t you know that I’m the one who created all things? I’m not like you who grows tired and weary. And my wisdom reaches far beyond yours.”

And then come words of comfort.

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. (Isaiah 40:29–31)

“Are you weary?” God asks. “I give strength to the weary. Are you feeling weak? I increase the power of the weak.”

What’s the secret to receiving the strength and power to carry on?

Hope in the Lord. Remember his goodness. Remember his love for you. Remember that he has a plan for you.

If you remember all this, if you hope in him, then you will find strength to go on no matter what you’re going through.

But not only will you have the strength to go on, you’ll have the power to soar far above your circumstances.

Have you lost hope? Then take the time to memorize these words. Meditate on them.

And as Paul wrote,

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)