“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.”
(Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Have you ever watched a majestic bird of prey soaring through the sky? It rises to great heights, spreading its wings as it is effortlessly carried by warm, rising air currents. In this way, it can glide for long periods and cover great distances with very little effort.
Isaiah uses this striking image to convey a message of hope to everyone who places their trust in the Lord: “He gives strength to the weary” (Isaiah 40:29 NIV). Just as an eagle spreads its wings and flies without becoming exhausted, so believers can continue their journey through life in God’s strength.
The eagle is also mentioned in Psalm 103:5 as a picture of the renewing strength that God gives. The psalm says that God “satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5 NIV) Eagles grow new feathers each year. Although they can live to a great age, they emerge from this process looking strong and vigorous—as though they are made young again. In the same way, the Lord gives new strength to those who are weary. With Him, they can face life again.
Do you feel invigorated and refreshed, or tired and worn out? How can you find new strength in God today?