At times like this when things begin to press in on us, we can begin to get tired, to droop, to grow weary. We find that times of change can sap our emotional energy and drain us spiritually. It is at times such as this that the words of Isaiah 40 can be both a comfort and a challenge to us.
Isaiah chapter 40 is full of encouraging verses that remind us of who God is and that He cares for his people. We are told to 'Behold your God!', look at Him, and see Him for who He really is! God is revealed to us in strength 'the Lord God comes with might', in generosity 'his reward is with Him' and tenderness 'He will tend his flock like a shepherd'. God is both our defender and our loving provider.
In verses 12-14 we are asked several leading questions; each question leads us to the answer that reminds us that God is Sovereign, He created the world, He did not need help or teaching - there is no one to compare with Him.
We are asked an open ended question in verse 18: 'To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compares with Him?' And again in verse 25 'To whom then will you compare Me, that I should be like him?'
This is the question that we must ask ourselves and answer in the light of what has gone before in this chapter, this is what we must ask ourselves now. Is God unique? Is He the creator who existed before the world was made? Is He the Sovereign King that all creation must obey?
How will you answer?
How you answer this question will decide whether you faint under the weight of the current situation, whether you grow weary in 'isolation'. You can press on in your own strength trying to control the situation or you can accept the revelation of God and His Sovereignty given in this chapter. If you respond in faith in Him you will find that He will 'renew your strength' and you 'shall run and not be weary' you 'shall walk and not faint'.
Lord, you are the Sovereign God, there is none like you and I chose to place my faith in You and draw my strength from you
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