Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Fri, 11 May 2007 05:38:01 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (May 12); BP: Is. 40:12-31; RBTTY: Jn. 3:1-18; II Kings 15-16
May 12 “Waiting Upon”
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall
mount with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary—and they shall
walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
God’s “wait-training” is some of the best spiritual exercise we’ll ever
do.
How often we’ve heard (or said), “Oh Lord, please give me patience—and
give it to me now!!” While humorous, its truth is convicting and reminds us
of our failure to fully rest in the Lord and His sufficient grace.
Now, there’s a difference in “waiting” and “waiting patiently” (Ps.
40:1). Anyone can force themselves to sit down for a while if they HAVE to;
however, watching them will quickly reveal if they’re resting or fretting.
Think of it:
Someone who’s waiting impatiently is usually tapping his fingers on the
table or his toes on the floor. He’s repeating clenching his teeth together
or constantly looking at his watch. He’s continually shifting his weight
from side to side in his chair or getting up and pacing the floor.
He’s waiting—but not resting; if anything, he’s getting more and more
worn out the longer he has to wait. That’s why today’s Manna tells us of a
different type waiting. . . “waiting upon the Lord”. . .and how such waiting
will “renew our strength.”
The Hebrew word “qavah” is used here for “wait” and also means “to bind
together, to collect, expect, tarry, gather together, look for, etc.” Thus,
it’s a picture of “getting our thoughts or emotions together” or “waiting
quietly in hope.” Simply put, it’s a beautiful picture of resting in hope,
knowing the Lord always does things well—and is never early or late.
Hallelujah!
As we “wait upon Him,” calm assurance fills our heart, lowering our
frustration or anxiety level (and most likely our blood pressure too). In
so doing, He “renews (Heb. ‘chalaph’—‘to slide by, spring up, change, alter,
grow up, pass by, sprout, etc.’) our strength.” In reality, this is a
blessed “exchange”—i.e., a glorious “transformation”—that springs from our
trusting/resting in the Lord.
Isaiah then says this will enable us to “mount up with wings as eagle.
. .to run and not be weary (Heb. ‘yaga’—‘to gasp, be exhausted, tired,
faint, heavy labor, etc.’). . .to walk and not faint.” Again, the picture
is one of inward renewal that results in outward sustaining.
Instead of allowing our problems to send us into a downward spiral,
like the eagle we rise to the heights, gliding effortlessly upon the
sustaining winds of the Holy Spirit. And, instead of losing our joy,
strength and stamina amidst our toils and troubles, like a well-conditioned
marathon runner we continue toward the finish line in full stride. The key
to all of this is our “waiting upon the Lord.” May the Holy Spirit help us
to do this today.
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