The Set Up: Recently, I ran into a friend who had just come back from what appeared to be a great vacation (based on all the pictures she posted). When I asked her about it, she told me she had an incredible time and how much fun she had. Then she told me about how tired she was from all the running around she did on the trip, and shared the famous line, “I need a vacation to rest up from my vacation!” Most of us have either heard that line or said it ourselves. As Spring Break wraps up this weekend, many students and families have gotten away somewhere warm to take a break and relax, and hopefully they feel rested when they get back. Self-care has become a big topic in our culture over the last several years and many people even saw the COVID shutdowns as a way to slow down and simplify our lives. We all tend to jam pack our schedules and our calendars and feel like we spend too much time running on empty. We’re all looking for something or someone who can fill our tanks.
In Isaiah 40, God does a little flexing. He reminds Israel (and us) about his great power. About speaking the universe into existence. About knowing the name of ever star (3 septillion and counting…). He reminds humanity that he exists on a whole other level and that he has no equal. But then, Isaiah chapter 40 closes with this reminder: God wants to give us the rest, the strength, the topping off of the tanks we are looking for. He says this:
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:29-31
That’s what the Lenten season is all about. A time to slow down, fast from food or other distractions, and wait on the Lord. When we do that, God says, we will experience new strength in him.
Biblical Passage to Read: Isaiah 40:21-31
Reflection Questions:
• What are some of the things that help you to rest and “renew your strength”?
• Have you ever thought about the time you spend “waiting on the Lord” (prayer, bible reading, etc.) as something that can renew your strength? How so?
• Is there a time this weekend that you can set aside to just wait on the Lord? If so, are you willing to put it on your calendar and stick with it? If not, when is the next time you can set aside time to wait on the Lord?
Prayer Focus: Lord, thank you that as I wait on you, you will renew my strength. You know me better than I know myself and I trust you to give me what I need.