Isaiah 40:30-31 – Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men stumble and fall; but they 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 be faint.

Lord God, this is such a rich and inspiring verse and is so much fuller when I ponder how great and strong you are. The reason for my renewal, my hope, and my persistence is not because of some inner resilience. I quickly find my emotional reserves drained dry. I find my energy flagging pretty quickly. Everything about me stumbles and falls. Everything about me gets weak and limps along. But you, there is no like you. There is no one else like you who calls out the stars by name and by your strength makes sure none of them goes missing. There is no one like you who never grows weary or tired. There is none like you who has understanding and wisdom unlike none other. Oh God, your strength is my strength and my song; you are my salvation. Oh, God your strength and your power rises up beneath me and renews me for another week, another day, another hour of service to you. Renew me, O God, and grant me strength to serve you. Amen.