In this Faith Lesson, we reflect on Isaiah 40:31 and the challenge—and blessing—of waiting on the Lord. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

This verse has encouraged believers for generations and is memorably featured in Chariots of Fire. Yet its message is often difficult to live out. Waiting is hard, but Scripture gives us powerful examples of faithful waiting—Abraham and Sarah, Simeon, and Anna—who trusted God’s timing and saw His promises fulfilled.

Isaiah chapter 40 reminds us who God is: the Creator who never grows tired or weary. Because of His strength, we can find renewal when we place our hope in Him.

This short devotional encourages you to trust God in the waiting, rest in His promises, and allow Him to renew your strength.

📖 Scripture: Isaiah 40:31
🕊 Series: Faith Lessons
⏱ Duration: 1–2 minutes

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As the deer pants for streams of water, my soul pants for You, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet? When can I go and meet? When can I meet with God? When can I meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night. While people say to me, "Where is your god?" Where is your god? Yet these things I remember as I pour out my soul. How I used to go. Used to go. To the house of God. House of God. Under the protection of the Mighty One. Under His guard. With shouts of joy and praise. Joy and praise. Among the festive throng. Festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God. Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me. Therefore, I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, the promised land. The heights of Hermon, the tallest peak, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep. Hey, deep! In the roar of waterfalls. Roaring falls. Your waves and breakers. Waves and breakers. Have swept over me. By day, the Lord directs His love. At night, His song is with me.

I say to God, my rock, "Why have You forgotten me?" Why must I go on mourning, oppressed by the enemy? My bones suffer agony, my foes taunt me, saying all day long, "Where is your god?" Where is your god? Why, my soul, are you downcast? Oh, why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God. Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him. My Savior and my God. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Oh, why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God. Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God. Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God. My Savior and my God.

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Student Coordinator, Emma Clodfelder sits with Dr. Scott Stripling to answer this question submitted by a listener, "What Would Convince You That There is No God?"

Have a question about Christianity or a specific scripture in the Bible? You can submit questions to questions@thebibleseminary.edu

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