Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) offers a powerful message of hope and renewal: “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.” This verse is rich in metaphor as well as promise. It illustrates how placing our trust in God can lead to profound transformation in our ability to face life’s difficulties.

It is especially meaningful to those of us that have been waiting on a significant blessing to come to fruition. For some of us, if this blessing takes longer than we expect, it affects us emotionally, depleting our reservoir of tenacity and strength, which causes us to lose hope. Delving into Isaiah 40:31 more reveals important wisdom that can help us stay vigilant and inspired as the Spirit leads us toward the manifestation of our desires.

Trust God for a fresh boost
We’re not in this alone, but sometimes we behave as if we are. God is with us, as He affirmed to His people in Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV): “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” This promise is as powerful today as it was in Old Testament times. God encouraged the children of Israel to take command of their emotions, shifting from doubt and fear to faith and courage. This is the mindset we must adopt in our own lives as well.

When it comes to pursuing a better life or greater blessings, many of us take matters into our own hands without giving ourselves the supreme benefit of being led by God’s Holy Spirit. If we trust in God and submit to the Spirit’s leadership, Isaiah 40:31 tells us, we get a new kind of strength. This isn’t just about believing in God on a surface level but truly relying on Him for support and guidance. It’s like getting a fresh boost of energy when you need it the most. Just like an eagle that soars high above everything else, trusting in God helps us rise above our challenges and feel empowered, even when things get tough and we feel like giving up.

Keep going without getting tired

Isaiah 40:31 also talks about running and walking without getting tired. This means that with God’s strength, we can keep going and press forward in faith no matter how difficult things may seem. There can be no doubt that faith in God provides the energy that propels us forward while we wait for a blessing to materialize.

Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean folding our arms and doing nothing. It means actively participating in the guidance of Jesus Christ as outlined in Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This guidance from Jesus instructs us to prioritize our relationship with God and strive to live according to His Will. It requires us to seek our Heavenly Father through prayer and listen to what He tells us. This is never tiring, but rather inspiring, as we continue to apply our faith to God’s promises.

Focus on what is true
Some of us focus too much on what we desire and not enough on God, and this can derail our progress. When we haven’t learned to be thrilled about our relationship with Heavenly Father, it’s a sign that our love for Him needs to deepen. Romans 8:5 (NLT) tells us, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” Our prayers should focus on drawing closer to God and identifying any barriers that might be affecting our relationship with Him. We should yearn to please God more than we do any other thing, and the measure of our devotion is reflected in how much pleasing Him shapes our thoughts and actions.

Focusing on what is true is focusing on the reality of God’s sovereignty, love, goodness, power, and grace. Philippians 4:8 reminds us: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” When we focus on things above, we align ourselves with God’s Will and invite the Holy Spirit to work within us. This shift in focus brings about a peace that transcends all understanding, as the Holy Spirit guides us closer to God’s purpose for our lives.

We must remember that every aspect of life should draw us closer to a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is especially crucial when it comes to our desires. Our emotions need to be submitted to our faith in God, ensuring that we remain wholeheartedly focused on Him above all else. God is unwavering in His reliability and will surely deliver on His promises. Therefore, we must practice patience, actively seek spiritual growth through His Word, and demonstrate our steadfast love for God.

When we align our emotions and feelings with these actions, the result is a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. Our lives become a reflection of God’s grace and faithfulness, and we experience a renewed strength that sustains us through both challenges and triumphs. This alignment not only deepens our relationship with God but also empowers us to live in a way that honors Him. It creates a balanced integration of our spiritual and emotional well-being and helps us remain invigorated and hopeful about the promises of God. ■

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Thriving Emotionally While Holding Fast to Your Faith”, written by Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.