(Based on Isaiah 40: 27–31)
When Christians start complaining, it is a symptom of loss of spiritual strength. These complaints could be directed against people. But ultimately when one loses strength the complaints get directed against God Himself. So if you find yourself complaining against God, know that something has sapped you of your strength.
And when loss of strength occurs, Christians complaint against God. Then they say, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God.” Is this your complaint today? If yes, then know that it is not that God has disregarded your cause. The problem is with you; you have lost your strength: Possibly you have been too busy that you neglected spending time with the Lord or you are leading an undisciplined life. Therefore accept your loss of strength. Then look to the Lord for strength.
For God’s wisdom is beyond your understanding. He is the everlasting God. Nothing has happened to you without Him knowing it. Look to Him. You may have lost your strength, but He never grows tired or weary. So seek Him and His help. Instead of complaining, look to God for a fresh supply of strength.
See, keeping on complaining is a sinful attitude. It indicates lack of trust in God. So the most important thing that you need to do when you have a bout of complaining is to change focus. That means you have to stop looking at the difficulties you are facing at the moment and focus on God’s wisdom and strength. He is a God “who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name” (Isaiah 40:26b NIV). That tells you something about His great wisdom, doesn’t it? And again, “Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:26c NIV). That tells you something about His mighty strength, doesn’t it? A proper focus on God’s wisdom and strength is very much needed to put your heart at rest when you feel like complaining against God.
You should also be encouraged to note that God is willing to help. This is where many get it wrong. They always think that God will not help them anymore. This is untrue. If you are complaining today, and you have realized that you have lost your strength, and you are prepared to look to Him, this is what the Bible says: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29 NIV). Can’t you see? God is willing to help you!
But know that you have to look to Him to receive a renewal of strength. For human strength, best exemplified by the youth, will fail at some point or the other.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31a NIV).
In spite of every delay that kept your deliverance waiting, in spite of every loss you have suffered, in spite of every defeat and failure, God shall renew your strength if you hope in Him. That is the secret, “hope in the Lord.” That means, you’ll look to Him to lift you up from the total hopeless situation you find yourself in today. Not only He can, He will. Remember His wisdom and strength. He knows more about your situation than you do. And He has infinite forces at His command to help you. Look to Him, therefore! If you do, you will have a mighty renewal of strength.
It will be like eagles soaring high on their wings. It will be like running a grueling marathon and after completing it, still having strength to run another race. It is like walking on and on, and never feeling faint.
Yes, your weariness will be forgotten when the renewal of strength comes from the Lord. You will stop complaining and start praising God. Even now, hope in the Lord, for those who do so will renew their strength.