Verse of the Day: Isaiah 40:31
Verse of the Day
Monday, June 23, 2025
Isaiah 40:31
Those who wait for 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.
Introduction
In moments of weariness, when the weight of life threatens to slow our steps, Isaiah 40:31 offers a profound promise. This beloved verse speaks to the heart of human longing—for renewed strength, for divine presence, and for the ability to keep moving forward even when the path is hard. It invites us to wait—not passively, but faithfully—on a God who never grows weary.
Commentary
“But those who wait for the LORD…”
The Hebrew word translated as “wait” (קוֵֹה qavah) conveys more than idle patience. It implies active hope, trustful expectation, and deep reliance. To “wait for the LORD” is to rest our confidence in God’s character and timing.
“…shall renew their strength…”
Renewal here is not simply a return to former vitality—it suggests divine exchange. As we let go of our own striving, God supplies a strength rooted in His power, not our own.
“…they shall mount up with wings like eagles…”
The eagle, a majestic and tireless flier, represents spiritual elevation. This line suggests a supernatural rising above adversity—an ascent that is not grounded in human effort but in God’s uplift.
“…they shall run and not be weary…”
Running reflects the urgency and demands of life. In God, we find the stamina to press forward, sustained by grace even when the race is long.
“…they shall walk and not faint.”
Finally, walking implies steady, day-to-day faithfulness. God promises endurance not just for the soaring moments, but also for the slow, ordinary steps of discipleship where perseverance is needed most.
Understanding the Context
Isaiah 40 marks a turning point in the book of Isaiah, shifting from messages of judgment to proclamations of comfort. The people of Judah, weary in exile and despairing of hope, hear God’s reassurance that He has not forgotten them. This chapter begins with the famous words, “Comfort, O comfort my people.” It exalts God’s greatness as Creator and Sustainer, contrasting His boundless power with human frailty.
Verse 31 stands as a climactic promise: though God's people feel weak and overwhelmed, those who hope in Him will experience a divine reversal. Their limitations will be met with His limitless strength. For a people in captivity, the promise of renewed strength was not just spiritual—it was a foretaste of restoration and return.
Application for Today
In our modern age, where exhaustion is epidemic and busyness is worn like a badge of honor, Isaiah 40:31 cuts through the noise with timeless clarity. It calls us to trade burnout for trust, and anxiety for abiding hope.
Waiting on the Lord is not easy—it means releasing control, resisting the pull of instant gratification, and choosing faith when answers don’t come quickly. But in doing so, we position ourselves to receive what only God can give: strength for the journey, courage for the climb, and peace in the waiting.
Whether you are facing illness, uncertainty, grief, or just the daily grind, this verse invites you to lean into a promise bigger than yourself. It assures you that you’re not meant to carry everything alone.
Reflection
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that strength is not found by pushing harder, but by pausing in faith. Waiting on the Lord isn’t weakness—it’s a deliberate choice to trust in God's timing, His provision, and His sustaining grace. Life includes seasons of soaring, running, and simply walking one step at a time. Each stage has its challenges, but this verse assures us that God meets us in all of them. His strength becomes ours—not just for the extraordinary moments, but for the quiet, faithful steps of everyday endurance.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
