Devotion:
Read Isaiah 40:31.
Isaiah 40 is a turning point in the message of this prophet. In the first 39 chapters, the prophet had been warning the people of the coming judgment from God. Then the Babylonians swooped into Jerusalem, tore down the temple and carried many of the people away to exile. The role of the prophet totally changed at that point. Now the Lord inspires him to offer a message of encouragement: “Comfort, comfort my people…” are the opening words of this chapter. Through the chapter, he acknowledges the reality of what the people are dealing with, but then ends it with a word of hope: (vs. 30) “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…”
The key phrase is “...but those who hope in the Lord…” It begs the question for each of us, “Where do I put my hope?” To place our ultimate hope anywhere else besides God takes us down a path of destruction and despair. We may find temporary hope in the things and ways of this world but know that they are only temporary.
Notice also (they) “...will renew their strength.” We all encounter times when we are weakened; we are not at our best. We go through trials and struggles of various kinds. That phrase acknowledges those times, but also assures those who place their hope in God that time for being renewed will come. We will be given new strength, new life.
Just like yesterday, it was a message originally intended for people thousands of years ago. But it is still God’s message for you today.
Personal Worship Option:
We begin the Season of Advent today! Join us for worship as we move through this time of preparing for the coming of the Lord, both historically and personally. We begin by proclaiming this message of good news: “The light of hope shines through the darkness.”
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