Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
This verse continues the promise of renewal for the weary. The Hebrew term “wait” (qavah) implies an active expectation, not passive resignation. Waiting on the Lord involves trust, posture, and hopeful obedience. The metaphor of mounting up with wings as eagles communicates swift, powerful renewal that rises above life’s turbulence. Eagles soar above storms; this image would have spoken vividly to ancient readers who valued consistent strength in the face of hardship. The verse is not a denial of weariness but a divine remedy: when patience and faith meet God’s timing, strength is renewed and transformed. The subsequent phrases—running without weariness, walking without fainting—describe an escalated experience of vitality that comes from God’s sustaining power.
This is a centerpiece of biblical anthropology: human weakness is not the end of the story. God’s people are sustained by divine energy that transcends natural limits. The verse also highlights divine faithfulness across generations; waiting on the Lord embodies trust in God’s character rather than in personal cleverness or grit. It anchors hope in God’s steadfastness and supervision of history. The “renewal” motif recurs throughout Scripture, depicting a life re-energized by God’s presence and purpose.
Practically, waiting on the Lord can transform time and energy management. Rather than rushing, we pause to align with God’s timeline—practicing patient discernment in decisions, worshipful rest, and reliance on spiritual disciplines. Picture a student in burnout who chooses to pause before a major exam, prayerfully seeking guidance, rather than cramming beyond reason. A parent balancing work and family can adopt a rhythm of Sabbath rest and delegation, enabling renewed strength to run the race set before them. In leadership or ministry, this verse invites sustainable pace, not heroic overnight rescues. The promise is not instant miracle energy but a renewed capacity to persevere with joy and purpose when we lean into God’s power.
Cross-References: Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 30:18; Galatians 6:9; Isaiah 49:23; Philippians 4:13