“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 40:31, NIV)
This scripture verse is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible because it offers an image of powerful, resilient faith. The language is vivid, the promises compelling: soaring like eagles, running without fatigue, walking without fainting. It’s an exhilarating picture of life invigorated by trust in God.
But let’s focus on the initial condition that these promises depend on: “those who hope in the LORD.” The essence of this scripture isn’t just about eagles’ wings or untiring legs. It’s about hope, patience, and trust in God.
In our busy, modern lives, waiting is often seen as an inconvenience. We’re conditioned to crave instant results, immediate answers, and swift solutions. But the Christian journey is often about waiting—waiting on God’s timing, His answers, His deliverance. And this waiting is far from passive; it’s an active, hope-filled, trust-deepening process that anchors us in God’s faithfulness.
Isaiah encourages us to hope in the Lord when our strength is sapped and anxieties are high. He doesn’t promise a swift end to our struggles but assures us that those who wait upon the Lord—those who remain hopeful, patient, and expectant of His intervention—will experience their strength renewed.
When we hope in the Lord, we express our trust in His sovereignty and goodness. We affirm that He sees our struggles, hears our prayers, and will act in His perfect timing. This hope isn’t a denial of our realities but a decision to view them through the lens of faith, recognizing that our all-powerful God is bigger than our fears and anxieties.
In a world that champions self-reliance, Isaiah calls us to rely on God, to place our hope in Him. In the face of fear and uncertainty, our strength is renewed, not by our own efforts but by the endless grace of God.
Wonder in the Word
How can you actively practice hope and patience in God, especially when facing fear and anxiety?