Our Daily Bread of Renewal

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

As I am writing these devotionals, I’m starting to realise I have focused a lot on the idea of rest. That may just say something about me as a person, but I think it is also a very important skill and gift in this chaotic fast-paced world we live in. And more than just rest, to survive and flourish in this world, we need to rely on God’s strength.

This verse is my Lock Screen: the first thing I read every morning. Every time I read it, I am transported to the memory of the first time I saw a golden eagle on David Attenborough’s ‘Planet Earth’ programme. It was a majestic sight, a huge bird lazily gliding between the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. 

This is such powerful imagery as the eagles fly with little to no effort, using the hot air currents that spiral up from the valleys to glide for hours on end without so much as a single beat of their wings! Just as the eagles rely on the winds to make them soar high, so we can put our hope and trust in the wind of the Spirit of God, so we can soar high above our weariness, our circumstances, our frailties.

If you are feeling weary today, I encourage you to take time to pray and wait on the Lord. Close your eyes and imagine yourself as an eagle soaring high and free. Feel the warm air spirals of God's love and peace catch your wings. Trust that he will give you strength to face whatever challenges come your way - because he is always faithful!

Prayer - Lord, I surrender to the wind of your Spirit today. Carry me where you will.