Strength for the Long Stretch - Your Nightly Prayer - May 12th
Strength for the Long Stretch
Your Nightly Prayer
by Kristine Brown
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” - Isaiah 40:29 ESV
SOMETHING TO PONDER
As a child, the month of May held special significance in my life. It represented the upcoming end of another school year and the start of summer break. May held hope—and according to my young mind, it couldn’t arrive quickly enough. At the beginning of each new school year, May seemed a lifetime away. So when we finally reached mid-May with only a few weeks left until that final bell rang, time felt like it slowed to a crawl. We’d count down the days until summer vacation. I imagine my teachers felt the same way as they tried to keep us kids focused and productive. I grew up to become one of those teachers, and now I have a deeper appreciation for the long stretch of those final days of the school year.
As an adult, long stretches of time look quite different from how they did in childhood. We begin a new season with hope and a fresh outlook, but as time trudges on, fatigue has a way of setting in. We want to persevere through the challenges before us, but aren’t sure we have the strength to power through. Thankfully, God’s Word shows us where to find the renewed strength we need when we’re feeling weary in the midst of long seasons. Isaiah 40:29 tells us God will give strength to the weary. What a life-giving promise when we start to lose strength and realize we have a long stretch of time before reaching the end. Seasons come and seasons go, but God’s strength never fades. Let’s look at the preceding verse in Isaiah, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” (Isaiah 40:28)
In Isaiah chapter 40, the prophet encouraged the Jewish exiles to trust in their Creator God for the long stretch, and we, too, can find motivation from this powerful passage of Scripture. The God who never grows tired or weary is our sustaining source. Our strength comes from his unlimited supply. So, as we watch another day come to a close and anticipate what tomorrow may bring, let’s turn our hearts to God in prayer and ask for a refilling of his strength. We can rest well tonight knowing he will equip us to stand tall, take the next step of faith, and finish well.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear God,
Thank you for your holy Word that tells me, “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31) This truth restores my hope, because honestly I am getting more weary by the day, and I’m feeling empty. Renew my strength, Lord. I lift up my hands to you, knowing you are here, ready to pour out your abundant grace, joy, and peace. When I look ahead, I see a long, difficult road. Fatigue is taking its toll, but I am trusting your strength above my own. Let my rest tonight bring refreshment for my weariness. I give this season to you. My life is in your hands, and I believe you will supply all I need to do the things you’ve called me to do. Thank you for being my source of strength to sustain me through the long stretch. In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
- In what way does the truth of God’s renewing strength help you rest easier?
- If you are feeling weary tonight, ask God for a fresh filling of his strength. Trust that you will wake up tomorrow refreshed and renewed.
- Think of a time when you remember God’s strength sustaining you through a difficult season. Thank him again for how he provided for you.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Adrian Swancar
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!
