Created to soar!

          But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
          They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run
           and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.
                                                                          Isaiah 40:31 NLT
 
Feeling tired, even though the year has barely begun?  I confess I was weary a few weeks ago, so when I was led to Isaiah 40:28-31 that promises to give new strength to those who trust in the Lord so we can soar on wings like eagles, I just sighed and kept going! That can happen with some of those familiar promises.  However, in the subsequent days the Spirit kept bringing me back to similar themes, and I finally realized I had to stop and listen.

First, I had to hand over all the concerns that had snuck into my mind.  “Here you are, Jesus.  I trust you with these, even though I don’t see the end yet.” 

Then, I had to confess the reasons they had managed to get past the guards of my mind.  For example, there were voices of accusation that were echoes of my past. “You aren’t good enough.  You will be all alone.” “What?!  I already dealt with you!  I nailed you to the Cross.  I have always belonged to the Father, and Jesus purchased me through his sacrifice.  I am precious, his treasure, paid for with his blood.” And so, the discussion continued. Sound familiar?

I recognized at that point that I was feeling tired because I had stopped my habit of asking God who he wanted to be to me that day.  He is always enough, sufficient for all my needs.  I knew my trust in God was dependent on my knowledge and relationship with him.  The more I know who God is to and for me, the more I trust him.  The more I trust him with my stuff, big and small, the lighter I feel.  And the more energy I have left over to live by faith, flying over the minor difficulties, not letting them drag me down and make me tired.

So, as a result of not intentionally renewing my trust in God, I had stopped soaring on the air currents of the Holy Spirit, and more and more had drifted back to flapping my own wings.  God forgave me, and I forgave myself.  Sigh.  Then, I focused on the power, beauty, kindness, eternal love, and all that I knew God was, and suddenly, I was soaring again!  I hope I see you soaring with me today.

Dear friends, be blessed as you take all your tiredness, doubts, worries and depression to the Cross of Christ.  As you kneel there, be blessed to remember who Jesus is for you, and who you are to him.  Don’t get up until you trust him with every little bit that is dragging you down!  I bless you to have every empty place be filled with God’s love, peace and joy.  Be blessed to soar on Holy Spirit breezes and feel the joy rising!  You were created to soar! Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ February 3, 2021