Wait and Be Renewed

Wait and Be Renewed Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they 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.-Isaiah 40:28-30 In the age of convenience, many of us are not very patient. We’re used to 2 minute meals heated up in the microwave, fast food, instant coffee, faster and faster speed limits, and stores that cater to our wants. These conveniences don’t make our lives any better, really. Often we could get much of what we want with a little more time and effort on our part, at a better cost, and for a better value, but we can’t be bothered! We have to hurry to our next appointment, or, more likely, hurry home to sit on the couch and stream our favorite shows! And every place we seek convenience in leaves us without true renewal and refreshment. Loved ones, we often trade what is best for what is convenient. We lack the patience to do it ourselves, and so we de[pend on others, and, often, many of us complain about the results. We become consumers, even within the walls of the Church. And, let me tell you, the Church is not a product to be delivered, but a Body in which YOU are a member, and expected to be productive in. Loved ones, I know life moves fast, and at times, things seems to be piling up and stacking up, and your deadlines are approaching, and your enemies seem to be increasing. Wait on the Lord. The Bible says to, over and again. It tells us not to rush headlong into the fray, but to be still and know He is God. This does not mean we are unproductive and just sit and wait all day. It means we prioritize properly, and make sure we make time for what is most important, and that is our relationship with Jesus. So be still. Slow down. Wait on the Lord, and HE will bring us refreshment and renewal. Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!