Few people approach Mondays with enthusiasm. Our bodies strongly resist the much-too-early siren sound of the alarm clock. And, the demands of a new week seem to weigh heaviest on the first day into it. Lord, give me strength!
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:28-31)
We serve a God whose strength is unabated. As a limitless source of strength, He strengthens the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Those who are diligent to wait upon Him will find new strength. Pretty reassuring promises for a Monday!
I'm often reminded of the important condition of WAITING. God is not a cosmic vending machine, giving answers to prayer, and help in crisis, on an on-demand basis. As the old saying goes, "good things come to those who wait". God supplies in His good time, but what He wants is an encounter with us. It's not ultimately about what He supplies, but rather Himself; time in His presence. To wait upon Him - to abide in Him - is to take on something of His very character. And, what we truly need is not His case-by-case answer and help, but His very nature that provides ongoing strength and help. We need His answers but, more importantly, we need HIM.
Today's challenge is to take a period of time for solitude with your Father. Whether it be fifteen minutes, a half hour, or an hour, carve out time in your schedule to sit in silence, alone with your Father and His word. Perhaps, in preparation, you might want to think about the words to an old hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer". Consider the author's experience and testimony, and let his words draw you into a refreshing experience with your Father. He's waiting for you to wait for Him.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:28-31)
We serve a God whose strength is unabated. As a limitless source of strength, He strengthens the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Those who are diligent to wait upon Him will find new strength. Pretty reassuring promises for a Monday!
I'm often reminded of the important condition of WAITING. God is not a cosmic vending machine, giving answers to prayer, and help in crisis, on an on-demand basis. As the old saying goes, "good things come to those who wait". God supplies in His good time, but what He wants is an encounter with us. It's not ultimately about what He supplies, but rather Himself; time in His presence. To wait upon Him - to abide in Him - is to take on something of His very character. And, what we truly need is not His case-by-case answer and help, but His very nature that provides ongoing strength and help. We need His answers but, more importantly, we need HIM.
Today's challenge is to take a period of time for solitude with your Father. Whether it be fifteen minutes, a half hour, or an hour, carve out time in your schedule to sit in silence, alone with your Father and His word. Perhaps, in preparation, you might want to think about the words to an old hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer". Consider the author's experience and testimony, and let his words draw you into a refreshing experience with your Father. He's waiting for you to wait for Him.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:15 AM
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