“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31
A month ago, a college friend messaged me asking if I could send her the names and lyrics of some of the old Scripture songs we did in the 80’s and 90’s back at Bel Air Presbyterian. Psalm 5, Psalm 27, Romans 8 and others were some of our favorites. She really wanted to recall those songs that meant so much to her. I mentioned that my memory was a little fuzzy but that I would work at getting her whatever information I could find, but for sure one of those songs she was looking for was from Isaiah 40.
Back in December, I invited people to memorize Isaiah 40:28-31 and mentioned that I had learned a song my freshman year in college based on that text. I recorded myself singing that song, making it available to anyone who wanted it. I sent my friend the link and she was so glad to hear these beautiful words again:
"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."
I found out later from her husband that she wanted these Scripture songs because she just found out she had stage 4 cancer. Isaiah 40 reminds her that God is near as she journeys through this season battling the disease. My friend needs supernatural strength to endure these days. I’m glad the song could minister to her, but I had a better idea.
I asked our young worship leader, Karissa Lee, to learn the song and record it. She made a great version of it just using home equipment in her bedroom and sent it to my friend. She and her husband were so encouraged to get the Isaiah 40 song. This last Sunday, I made it available to all of our church to be a source of encouragement as many have mentioned it has been a great way to remember God’s faithfulness in weary times.
Just this morning I was talking to a friend who had a tough week. He said, “But you know that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” So I asked, “Did I tell you that I had a song I’ve been sharing with that exact verse?” He said “no” and I sent him a link to the song. He listened to it and knew it was the Lord saying to him, “I know these are tough times but I’m here with you!”
For some reason, the Lord has put Isaiah 40 on my heart and mind and I’m going to continue to share the hope that we have amidst our weariness. I trust that singing this song not only helps you memorize Scripture, but is part of your worship of a great God who comes near and lifts us up. May God give you exactly what you need for today. You are not alone.
LIVING INTO GOD’S WORD
To get the song Isaiah 40 sung by Karissa Lee, use your phone and send a text to 30400 and put the word “hope” in the message field and hit “send”. You’ll get a link to the song for your own personal use. What a great way to worship this week!
I’d like to challenge you to invite others to send that same text so they, too, can hear the hope we have in our good God.
PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for the promises of your word. You give me strength and hope when I am weary and discouraged. For some, 2021 is already full of hardships and disappointments. Use me to bring hope and empathy to someone in need. May Isaiah 40 ring in my heart and mind this week as I sing spiritual songs glorifying you. Thank you for your promise of being near to the broken-hearted. Come near, Lord, and give me strength. Use me as an instrument of your peace and hope. Amen.
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