Lean on Me

Isaiah 40:27-31 states, "Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: 'My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by by God'? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Notice that God's own people are claiming that their "way" is hidden from the Lord. In other words, they don't think God can see their course of life at this stage because they feel that their suffering has been too great for too long. The prophet Isaiah then encourages and tries to bring comfort to God's people by reminding them of some important truths that all of us need to cling to when our ways seem hidden from our God.

First of all, he basically reminds them that THE EVERLASTING GOD IS NOT TAKING A NAP. Our Creator is very aware of every hurt, tear, and circumstance that we experience each and every moment...even if it has lasted a long time. For the

Israelites, this would be comfort of hope after living through 70 YEARS of exile. Most of us haven't been suffering that long yet. Even if it seems like it has been that long, God wants to comfort us just as He wanted to comfort His people through Isaiah. God sees our smile at the end of the road we are traveling. Remember that the blessing will come!

Second, he reminds the Israelites that GOD'S UNDERSTANDING IS UNSEARCHABLE. God doesn't ask us to understand why we are going through whatever we are going through. He only asks us to trust Him. For He alone is wise. There is a purpose and He sees it coming to fruition.

Third, he reminds those Israelites that feel weak and without might that GOD PROMISES TO GIVE POWER AND AN INCREASE OF STRENGTH. Lean on God when it seems you are too weak to keep going and He will sustain you. It is so encouraging that we have access to such power.

Finally, he reminds them to WAIT ON THE LORD. Yes, this "wait" word includes being patient. I admit, patience is a tough one for me...but look at the blessings if we would be obedient to this exhortation. Obedience to patience equals renewed strength in every way...including running without getting tired! Yes, I want that! We get so tired so easily. If we would just wait and cling to our Lord each and every day, the glory that will be revealed soon and very soon will blow us away! We will certainly have fullness of joy.