By Rae Lynn DeAngelis

“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31a)

We all have days when discouragement takes over and hopelessness settles in. For me, discouragement creeps into my life little by little. Minor irritations chip away at my resolve and eventually throw me into a tailspin. Perhaps you can relate.

Satan prowls around looking for a break in our wall of defense. This is why we’re advised to be self-controlled and alert (1 Peter 5:8a). Once the enemy finds a weak spot, he heads straight for the areas that have proven profitable in past attacks.

Christians are not impervious to Satan’s attacks, but we are not helpless victims either. God is with us. He is our strength and shield, our great deliverer. He is the all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present God. Circumstances are unpredictable and people are unreliable, but our God is constant. His character remains steadfast and true.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

When discouragement settles in, put your hope in the LORD. He will fortify your resolve and renew your strength!