But God’s word stands forever

Isaiah 40:6-8, 27-31 People are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in the field . . . but the word of our God stands forever. How can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? . . . Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

Which of God’s promises are most precious to you?

These words from Isaiah 40, and indeed the whole chapter, are precious to me as I seek to live my life for my “audience of one,” the only One whose word is absolutely dependable. This One who made me, who knows and understands my weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Instead of judging me (as I tend to do to myself), out of his limitless supply he gives me new strength.

Those who read the Karis book and conclude that I am strong need to understand this: there is no way I could have survived those years in my own strength! That’s really great news, because these promises are for everyone, for you. No matter what your circumstances or struggles are today.

As I shivered into my clothes early this morning before the furnace kicked into its pre-set daytime temperature, I thought about how difficult it was to keep Karis warm her last couple of winters. How much of her strength went into maintaining a reasonable body temperature, since she was too skinny to provide her own insulation and due to other medical conditions and meds. We tried all kinds of things to keep her warm. When we succeeded, even for a little while, she had energy to do things other than just huddle under heated blankets! She had new strength.

I’m visualizing the Lord’s love and faithfulness as a warm blanket covering me this morning, giving me, yes, new strength for the adventures of today.