Wait
for the Lord
Isaiah 40:31
Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up
{with} wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and
not become weary. (NAS)
Many years ago I pastored in Penticton, British Columbia. It was an interesting little town nestled between two fresh water lakes in the otherwise dry eastern portion of the Province. Just outside of the city limits was an Indian Reservation where the inhabitants lived, much as they did centuries ago. One day I was talking to this old Indian man who about how I was looking for some eagle feathers. I know, it was strange to be searching for them, but that is another story. Never the less, this man turned out to be a great help to me.
He told me of a place where eagles "renew" themselves. I was intrigued. As he went on to explain, as eagles get older some of their feathers break, but stay attached to their bodies and their beaks grow over the lower part of their mouths. These changes cause problems. As they swoop down to catch their prey the broken feathers whistle and the noise alerts their prey to its coming. Then when they do catch up with their dinner their mouth cannot open enough to eat. So, when this happens an eagle will "renew" itself.
They fly to a specific mountain top alone. For days they crash themselves against the rock. First the beak, to break off the overgrowth. Then, they dash their wings against the rock to shake the broken feathers from their bodies. At last, they rest for a few days. When they come back from their renewal, they are again silent and ready to eat again.
This is so like us. When we have worn out, even in well doing, we can be refreshed and renewed. We too need to be alone to a solitary place with the Lord and allow Him to remove the effects of the things that have been broken in our lives - relationships, emotions, trust. We need healing from God's hands. And again our spiritual mouths will be opened to be able to eat of His word.
Have you been broken? Are you hungry for God? Wait on the Lord. Just wait patiently, peacefully and He will renew your strength. Trust Him and Him alone.