Isaiah 40:31
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.

With the New Year upon us I think of all the things I want to accomplish and am immediately wearied by the realization that I will fail in some of them. I know my impatience too well. As I was considering this truth, the words of Isaiah came to mind and I thought to myself, “How on earth can our strength be renewed through waiting?” My flesh hates to wait. I want the plans that I have to come to pass right away. I don’t want to face the hard work that comes with new things. And many times I don’t want to wait for the Lord to make things clear when I sense Him pulling me in a direction other than my own.

As I consider this verse in light of my past experiences with and without the Lord, and in light of the New Year ahead I realize that our strength truly is renewed as we wait. Why? Because as we wait on the Lord, His perfect will is revealed and when it is our strength is renewed. The more we experience it, the more eager we are to wait. That is so encouraging to me. As I live in this truth, I find myself less anxious about my life and look forward to watching 2002 unfold.

Father, may we wait patiently on you this coming year. You have been so faithful to love and care for us , beyond what we could imagine. Even in the midst of trial and heartache your peace and comfort were there. We are so undeserving of your love and care and so grateful for it. Cause us to draw closer to you in 2002 than ever. To hunger for your Word and the intimacy that comes from heeding it. Thank you for loving us the way you do. In Jesus strengthening love…Amen.

God bless you richly. May you grow abundantly in your strength as you learn to wait on Him.