All Tuckered Out
Read Isaiah 40:1–48:22
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1. “Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
2. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.”
3. Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
4. Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.
5. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!”. . .
31. 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 40:1-5, 31
Hectic work schedules, bad nutrition, poor health, small children, or just plain old age can make people weary. What makes you feel tired or weak?
In Isaiah 40:1–48:22 you will read about a tired people—Israel and Judah exiled in Babylon. They’ve been away from home for a long time. Isaiah brings them strong, energizing words.
The other sections in this passage all relate to Israel’s release from captivity—a happy, joyous time. Here are words of encouragement and hope from this servant of the Lord.
Isaiah had words of encouragement for God’s people: Their punishment wouldn’t last forever, deliverance would come, and God would restore them. God didn’t want them to despair, so he reassured them of his power (Isaiah 40:12-31).
Just as Israel and Judah’s punishment overwhelmed them, so the pace of life overwhelms every person at times, even those who are strong (40:30). This may be because of our overzealous desire to do more than we should. Or it may be that we just don’t trust in God and his power to help us move the mountain of work set before us. But God and his power should be our source of strength, especially when we feel overwhelmed.
Whenever you feel tired and weary, take time to rest—show your confidence in God’s control over the events in your life. Let him renew your strength. Then wait for his timing before reentering the marathon called life, or you may not be able to finish the race at all. God will help you finish in good time.
