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Well, here we are, the third Saturday of the new year. With harvest season, Christmas season and New Year’s celebrations all in the rearview mirror, we dive into the “what’s next?”
Life being life, we will most certainly share times of victory, times of joy, times of sadness, times of grief, times of gain, times of loss, times of fellowship, times of loneliness or times of being just too far away.
It’s in those times, that we look for a hand, the next rung on the ladder, the next step, hope, a little help and maybe some direction. The question is where do we go first when we have this need?
One of the most popular verses quoted in all the Bible, especially on the subject of calling upon in need and waiting upon Lord, is Isaiah 40:31. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
The word “wait” here implies a request has already been made, it also is implying trust with hope. Eagles are a symbol of the strength that is supplied as they and we “wait” for the will of God.
As a point of reference, the Israelites at this time were very weary and needed some “shall” that is found four times in this verse of prophecy that the Lord gave to them as a reminder and one of great encouragement.
No matter what our need is or will be, we can call upon the Lord. We can call upon his name(s) in faith. Call upon him first! The Holy Bible literally contains hundreds of names of God and the descriptions of how he intervenes and comes to our aid.
As we embark into the adventure of 2025, may we do so equipped with the endless treasure chest of strength in God, as we seek him and hold on to his name(s).
The Holy Scriptures also have many names that are given to believers, those in true relationship with the Lord God Almighty, those, who are not perfect, but those that are being perfected daily in Christ our Lord.
Be mindful this year of how our Lord thinks of us and how his good thoughts toward us outnumber the sands of the sea. This will be foundationally strengthening to our spiritual lives. (Do yourself a favor, and search online for “How many names of God are in the Bible,” and “names that the Bible gives to believers.” Look at the lists that provide Scripture references to the names.)
As we box up Christmas, let us continue to open our Bibles and know the Lord our God. He is our wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace, the gracious one, the one who comforts, the door, the living bread, the one who leads, the resurrection and the life, the vine, the one who is exceedingly great…
Now, to those who receive him, we are his beloved, children of the Lord, children of light, his holy and beloved, his disciples, friends of God, heirs of his salvation, lights of the world, his living-stones, a peculiar people, his workmanship created in Christ Jesus, salt of the earth, vessels to his honor, witnesses for God…
May the Lord bless and keep each of you, may 2025 be filled with great memories and victories. Know the Lord Jesus Christ and call upon his name(s). Be strengthened by who you are in Christ.
Pat Propster is lead pastor at Calvary Chapel Carson City.