Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.
Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV
Hope
According to Statistics Canada, the proportion of Canadians reporting a hopeful outlook on the future is substantially lower compared with 5 to 6 years ago. In 2016, 75% of people in Canada reported feeling hopeful about the future, compared with 64% of the population in 2021/2022. Some population groups have below-average levels of hopefulness. Those who live in a larger household with children, or persons who have a strong sense of belonging to their local community have above-average levels of hopefulness.
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Human strength is interesting. We hit the peak of our strength in our 20s and it is all downhill from there. The Tom Bradys of the world are rare – still playing professional sports at 45. Most professional athletes retire in their early to mid-30s. By our mid-40s we begin to notice that we aren’t what we were in our 20s. This may be the case with physical strength, but in a spiritual sense, this doesn’t have to happen. The prophet wrote this in Isaiah 40:30-31: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.” God, the omnipotent One, who is self-sufficient in every way, offers His spiritual strength to all who seek Him. Though outwardly we are wasting away, the apostle Paul wrote, through Jesus’ presence inwardly we are being constantly renewed. As we keep trusting God, we have the assurance of His never-ending power and strength. When we are weak, He is strong. Put your hope in the Lord Jesus and soar.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley